On Sunday, Madison Square Garden was packed to its limits with around 20,000 enthusiastic supporters of former President Donald Trump, with numerous others being turned away, according to law enforcement reports.
While estimates of the number of MAGA enthusiasts in Midtown Manhattan differed, one police officer on the scene suggested that another 20,000 were unable to enter when officials shut the doors to MSG around 4:30 p.m., which was three hours before Trump was scheduled to speak.
“They could have sold the Garden twice,” the source said.
The officer remarked that supporters continued to arrive from various directions long after the last guests had been let into MSG.
One Trump supporter recounted his experience of standing in the wrong line for two hours, only to be denied entry.
“I don’t mind though,” he said. “We’ve been to Trump rallies before, so missing one is no big deal.”
After being turned away by police, some of those who couldn’t gain entry flocked to nearby bars and restaurants, where they switched the television channels to watch the rally.
At Avenida Bar, situated across from the famed venue, televisions were set to the rally, and patrons were spotted donning MAGA hats while enjoying drinks and socializing.
“This definitely isn’t the usual crowd; they asked for all of the televisions to be turned onto the rally. I’ve already been called a Mexican once,” one unnamed employee at a nearby eatery shared with The Post.
Those attempting to enter MSG encountered fierce competition, with some people queuing outside as early as Friday.
By Sunday morning, an estimated 10,000 individuals had gathered to try and gain entry, as reported by The Post and confirmed by local law enforcement.
Standing in the chilly weather, many devoted MAGA supporters in line endured discomforts, battling the need for restrooms, and expressing frustration over the absence of nearby porta-potties. This led some to relieve themselves in nearby bushes, leaving unsightly messes on the pavement approaching the venue.
While New York is unlikely to be a battleground in the presidential race, the Trump-Vance campaign is aiming to capitalize on the media buzz and headlines from his foray into this predominantly blue region as the campaign reaches its final stretch.
Furthermore, the rally is expected to serve as a rallying point to boost turnout for various down-ballot Republicans engaged in challenging races and to chip away at the overall popular vote.
Trump has expressed optimism about achieving a political surprise, insisting he “can take New York,” though most experts find that prospect highly unlikely.
The former president, born in Queens, has previously visited the Empire State for campaign events, including a rally in the Bronx in May and another in Long Island in September. He also campaigned in California earlier this month.