Trump holds rally at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Find street closures, security details and more
NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and law enforcement is stepping up security around the arena.
Mayor Eric Adams joined Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon and members of the NYPD late Saturday afternoon, saying the department is fully prepared for the rally.
Street closures around MSG for Trump rally
The following streets will be closed to both drivers and pedestrians starting early Sunday morning:
- 33rd Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue
- 32nd Street between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
- 31st Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue
- 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue
Additionally, Seventh Avenue will be closed to pedestrians from 34th Street to 29th Street.
Subway service will not be impacted, and New Yorkers are encouraged to take the train if they are heading to the rally or the surrounding area. Adams says there will be "special procedures in place" for riders exiting stations around Madison Square Garden.
Anyone who does not need to be in the area is encouraged to avoid it.
"Tomorrow's rally will be safe, it will be secure, and we are doing everything possible to minimize impact on New Yorkers, but again, if you don't have to be in the MSG area tomorrow, please don't be," Donlon said.
Trump supporters arrive early
The rally is expected to draw thousands. Trump supporters started camping out Saturday, some coming prepared with sleeping bags.
"I've been here since about 10 o'clock this morning," Harrison resident Janet Bruno said.
Tony D'Carlo came all the way from Texas.
"I'm really thinking about the security. I want to wish for the best, but, you know, there are a lot of bad actors out there," he said.
Officials say there are no credible threats to the event, and there will be an increased police presence in the area.
"You will see a uniformed, heavy uniformed presence around the Garden. You'll see heavy weapons teams, counterterrorism, aviation, transit footprint on that Seventh Avenue," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
Protests also planned
The city is anticipating protesters, but the mayor says the NYPD is ready to respond. A Veterans Against Trump rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. outside the arena.
"While we always respect and protect the right to peaceful protests, there will be zero tolerance for crime, blocking traffic, graffiti or disorderly behavior," Adams said.
As for any criticism surrounding Trump's decision to hold a rally at the iconic venue, the mayor said it's time to dial down the temperature.
"This is America. This is New York. And I think it's important that we allow individuals to exercise their right to get their message clear to New Yorkers," Adams said.