As the line to get inside the building grew larger and larger, helicopters flew overhead. Many people were conversing with complete strangers about their support for Trump as they approached the entrance to the rally. Eventually, someone wearing a suit, presumably a part of the campaign staff, approached the front of the line and shouted that Freedom Hall had reached maximum capacity but that a separate holding room had been set up, and those entering from that point on would be redirected to there. There were some groans and gripes upon the announcement, but the reaction was largely positive, as people in line began clapping and cheering, as if appreciative of having the opportunity to be there in the first place.

The security at the event was reminiscent of airport security. People had to walk through a metal detector after emptying out their pockets. If the detector went off, a Secret Service agent would scan whoever set it off with a wand. The secondary location that people were being told to go to was in another part of the building, so staff members were shouting and pointing to go left instead of inside the main entrance.

The secondary location was a small gymnasium. A press platform was set up in the back. There was a large screen showing live footage from the main floor that people initially gathered in front of; however, staff members began instructing everyone to amass around a temporary fence that separated the gathering area from a section inside the room that had been preserved. Initially, everyone had no idea what was going to happen. Some people were speculating that it was merely a room where attendees could watch the event. Everyone eventually came to an understanding that Trump would enter the room and give a short speech within the preserved space that had been blocked off by the temporary fence.

There was hardly any room to stand, and it was very difficult to see the area where Trump would be walking in, as it was not elevated. Someone got everyone’s attention by shouting a suggestion that they should all sit down, and then everyone would be able to see. The room began applauding the idea, but nothing really happened though a few minutes later, people began chanting, “Sit down! Sit down!” in unison.

The livestream of the event being shown on the large screen became the central focus when the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem were recited by a speaker and singer on the main floor. When that was over, there was some commotion in the front, and a staff member announced the entry of the President of the United States. President Trump entered the room. Everyone began chanting and applauding, though most people could only see his iconic hair. He approached an elevated platform that had been invisible for most of the people in the room; but, even then, he was difficult to see, as a majority of those in attendance had their hands in the air.

The crowd was chanting “USA!” Trump began speaking, and everyone grew quiet. He mostly talked about Marsha Blackburn and why it was very important to go out and vote in November. He spent roughly six to eight minutes in the room before going out the same door he came in through. Instead of staying to watch his speech through the live stream, almost every single person present left after seeing him in person. There were several people standing outside the door thanking attendees for coming out, including Todd McKinley, who had run against Phil Roe.

 

Related Stories

Milligan Engineering Senior Trip: Pouring into one another

Milligans 2024 Humanities Tour…That Didn’t Happen

Spring Break 2024: Faculty names top 6 activities to do

Milligan Students Show Off Their Artistry at Dos Gatos

5 Questions with Milligan’s 16th President Dr. Stephen Waers

President Bill Greer Announces Retirement