The campaign rally for Trump set to take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma has been mired with controversy from its inception. Originally scheduled to take place on Juneteenth and near the site of the Oklahoma Race Massacre, advised Trump against holding the rally. They warned that amidst growing tensions in the US because of police brutality and growing support of the Black Lives Matter movement, he could make matters worse. Trump ultimately agreed to move the event back one day. This did not stop him from making threatening remarks to protesters on Twitter.
The other major concern has been the large crowds and the constant refusal of many Trump supporters to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Large crowds began to gather days ahead of the event.
Many reporting from the scene of the event have stated that few are wearing masks or protective gear and the crowds are huddled on top of each other. In other words, no one is social distancing and soon will be shoved in close quarters inside a massive stadium.
The Trump campaign released information the same day of the event that:
“Per safety protocols, campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events. Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed, and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented,” Tim Murtaugh, the communications director for Trump’s campaign, said in a statement.
This is a developing story.
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