This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Trump Rally in Tulsa Defies Virus Fears ¶
On June 20, 2020, hundreds of supporters gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend the first Trump rally in months. The event was held at the BOK Arena, where thousands of attendees packed the venue, many without masks or practicing social distancing.
Despite the risks, the crowd was enthusiastic, with many supporters expressing their loyalty to President Trump. "Today we're here to show we support President Trump and that we, the people, we'll win the 2020 election, no matter what the fake news media and other liberal, leftist, mind-controlling big firms are saying," said Brad, a Trump supporter.
The rally was also notable for the lack of diversity in the crowd, with few attendees from minority groups in attendance. The event was originally scheduled for Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery in the US, but was moved to a different date.
President Trump has been criticized for his handling of the pandemic, and the rally was seen as an opportunity for him to revive his campaign. "This is a super important moment for all of us," said Stephen Corley, 19, who had been camping outside the arena since Tuesday to be sure he would get in.
However, the event has also raised concerns about the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The state's Supreme Court had ruled against a lawsuit seeking to halt the rally over health concerns, but rally organizers did provide hand sanitizer, temperature checks, and optional masks for attendees.
Attendees were also required to sign a waiver, protecting the organizers from any liability in the event that COVID-19 spreads at the venue. Trump himself has been adamant about not being seen in a mask and for weeks has insisted that the virus is disappearing, allowing the economy to open back up.
