Trump supporters arrive at Nassau Coliseum, prepare to camp out for place in line
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the intelligence center will be fully staffed and that every unit of the Nassau Police Department would be utilized.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump were already showing up at the Nassau Coliseum Tuesday, one day ahead of his scheduled rally.
Several dozen Trump loyalists and merchandise vendors were at the Coliseum property Tuesday night.
Police later directed them off the property, closing the gates behind them.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and police officials touted the readiness of the county for Wednesday’s Trump rally at the Nassau Coliseum on the heels of an apparent assassination attempt at one of the former president’s golf courses on Sunday.
Blakeman said the intelligence center will be fully staffed and that every unit of the Nassau Police Department would be utilized.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder also said that the parking lot would be swept the evening before and the day of the rally. According to officials, people can park at Eisenhower Park or Mitchel Field Tuesday evening and walk over Wednesday if they choose.
Officials say a total of 60,000 people have already signed up for the rally.
The event is being run by the Trump campaign. It says gates in the parking lot will open at 9 a.m. but doors will open at the Coliseum at 3 p.m. before a 7 p.m. start.
In addition, police say at any point from 3 p.m. Wednesday until the end of the rally, the area surrounding the Coliseum could be locked down so it’s best to avoid the area.
Nassau police advised drivers and residents of heavier than usual traffic near Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum between Hempstead Turnpike, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Earle Ovington Boulevard and Glen Curtiss Boulevard. They encouraged drivers to seek alternate routes.
News 12 Long Island has also learned Hofstra University classes scheduled after 1 p.m. Wednesday will be taught remotely. Meanwhile, starting at 2 p.m., classes will be canceled at Nassau Community College.
The Uniondale Union Free School District will have an early dismissal, starting at 11:45 a.m. at the high schools; 12:25 p.m. at the middle schools and 1:05 p.m. at the elementary schools.
VIDEO: Former state Homeland Security Advisor Mike Balboni on security at the Trump rally
VIDEO: Legislator Seth Koslow on the security at the Coliseum
Prohibited Items List :
• Aerosols
• Alcoholic beverages
• Balloons
• Balls
• Banners, signs, placards
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• E-Cigarettes
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Firearms
• Glass, thermal and metal containers
• Laser lights and laser pointers
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.
• Packages
• Spray containers
• Structures
• Supports for signs/placards
• Weapons
• And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.
