President Donald Trump was in Tulsa Saturday night for his first campaign rally since the coronavirus shut down much of the nation. Turnout was far lower than expected, and only minor arguments and impassioned chants occurred when rally-goers and racial justice protesters met in the streets.
An estimated 6,000 Trump supporters were in their seats at the BOK Center for the first MAGA rally in months, far fewer than the campaign's prediction that 100,000 would be on hand or the one million that reportedly reserved tickets to the event.
But the Trump supporters outside the venue were excited over the visit, like John Kirton, a veteran from Claremore, Okla. who was keeping watch over several motorcycles as their owners were at the rally.
"We’ve got an amazing commander-in-chief, and I’d love to follow him into the next four years, I really would," Kirton said "And what he’s been doing for veterans I’ve really appreciated and I’ve really liked. He’s been a good man."
After the rally, Trump supporters and those in the streets protesting against police brutality crossed paths. It was a tense moment, but no violence occurred.
The coming days and weeks will show whether the gatherings this weekend lead to a surge in COVID-19 infections in Oklahoma.
Copyright 2020 KOSU
