Draft:Donald Trump Rally in Lynden WA

Donald Trump Rally in Lynden, Washington

Part of 2016 United States Presidential Election
Date	May 7, 2016
Venue	Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Grandstands
Location	Lynden, Washington
Budget	$300,000
Arrests	3 protesters

The Donald Trump Rally held on May 7, 2016, was part of Donald Trump's campaign during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. The event took place at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in the small town of Lynden, Washington, located near the Canadian border in the Bellingham Metropolitan Area. The rally drew an estimated 5,000 attendees and marked the first visit of a presidential candidate to Whatcom County since Bill Bradley in 2000.

Background

Trump’s rally in Lynden came as part of a larger push to secure votes in Washington State ahead of the Republican Primary on May 24, 2016. Having recently become the presumptive Republican nominee after Senator Ted Cruz and Governor John Kasich dropped out of the race, Trump made campaign stops in both Spokane and Lynden on the same day.

The rally in Lynden was hastily organized, with Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office receiving only two days' notice. This short timeframe created logistical challenges for law enforcement, which had to ensure adequate security for both Trump supporters and protesters. Typically, such events provide law enforcement at least two weeks’ notice.

Rally Details

Trump's speech echoed his campaign’s core messages, focusing on topics such as building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, defeating Hillary Clinton, and addressing issues surrounding immigration. He also spoke on foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Middle East, and emphasized the importance of protecting Second Amendment rights.

Protest and Arrests

The rally attracted protesters, many of whom lined Kok Road opposite of Trump supporters. Tensions were high, with both sides trading insults. Some protesters held signs with slogans like “Love Trumps Hate.” However, no major incidents of physical violence were reported.

A notable protest occurred when three individuals attempted to block Trump's motorcade by forming a human barricade along Guide Meridian on the Nooksack River bridge. Some of these protesters were arrested, and Trump's motorcade took an alternate route to the fairgrounds. The rally itself concluded peacefully.

Controversy and Costs

The decision to hold the rally in Lynden rather than the originally planned Seattle location stemmed from logistical issues. Attempts to organize the rally at Boeing Field and Paine Field were rejected due to security concerns and lack of cooperation from King County officials. Washington's Governor Jay Inslee publicly denounced Trump in a press conference the day before the rally, accusing him of promoting hate and fear.

The event incurred significant costs, estimated to be over $300,000, primarily for police overtime and other security measures. More than two dozen police, fire, and emergency services agencies from Whatcom County and neighboring regions, including the Washington State Patrol, and Seattle Police Department provided assistance. Despite these efforts, the Trump campaign allegedly did not pay a bill for $53,000 related to security expenses, leaving Whatcom County with an unpaid debt.

Aftermath

Trump's visit to Lynden was brief, with his motorcade leaving for the Bellingham International Airport shortly after the rally concluded. His speech in Lynden remained consistent with his overall campaign strategy, focusing on populist rhetoric and promises of significant changes to U.S. immigration and foreign policy. The event was a significant moment for Lynden, marking the town's involvement in a high-profile national campaign, and a Candidate that Americans will be talking about for generations to come.

See Also

• Protests against Donald Trump
• 2016 Presidential Election