Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on the 27th, and New York City officials, led by Mayor Eric Adams, are making extensive preparations to ensure the safety of the event. During a press conference on the 26th, Adams, alongside the NYPD, outlined their security measures to ensure public safety on the day of the rally.
At a briefing held at the NYPD headquarters, several city officials discussed the potential impact of Trump’s rally on Manhattan and acknowledged the likelihood of both supporters and protesters converging on the venue. Adams emphasized that there would be “a significant police presence” around Madison Square Garden to maintain order. The security measures will include the deployment of drones and plainclothes officers, representing a more discreet approach to safety.
The rally is scheduled to begin at 5 PM, with ticket holders allowed entry starting at noon. Each attendee can reserve up to two tickets, with a total of 19,000 tickets made available. Expected speakers at the event include former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and protests are anticipated outside the venue.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Thomas Donlon reiterated that the police will uphold the right to peaceful protest but will not tolerate any violence, property damage, or criminal activities. He noted that there are currently no credible threats identified. Rebecca Weiner, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, emphasized that the security situation warrants “heightened vigilance,” given that Trump has been the target of assassination attempts twice before.
The NYPD advised residents not planning to attend the rally to avoid the area and to utilize public transportation due to expected traffic disruptions. Streets affected by closures will include 30th, 31st, 32nd, and 33rd Streets between 6th and 8th Avenues, as well as 29th to 34th Streets along 7th Avenue, which will be closed to pedestrians.
Aaron Donovan, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), stated that they are prepared to handle the anticipated surge in ridership.
The NYPD further confirmed that they are ready to respond to any unexpected situations, having conducted multiple safety drills and coordinated meetings with federal and local agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. The city advises residents and visitors to stay updated on traffic closures and changes through police announcements and media reports.
