The immediate aftermath of President Trump’s campaign rally Tuesday night in Omaha is drawing more attention than the rally itself.
Most of the thousands of rallygoers had to park in lots a mile or 2 from the airport and take shuttle buses in, but snarled traffic prevented the buses from returning afterward.
As a result, many Trump supporters had to wait in frigid weather for hours before the buses finally made it in. Police said about a half-dozen individuals were taken from the airport grounds to hospitals “due to a variety of medical conditions.”
Democratic challenger Joe Biden mentioned the situation in a speech the following Monday, saying the stranded people presented “an image that captured President Trump’s whole approach” to the health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump deputy national press secretary Samantha Zager said Wednesday that because of the size of the crowd, 40 shuttle buses were deployed instead of the normal 15. but “local road closures and resulting congestion caused delays.”
Zager said the campaign had tents, heaters, generators, hot cocoa, and handwarmers available for guests, adding that “we always strive to provide the best guest experience at our events and we care about their safety.”