ARIZONA NEWS

Trump camp asks about Phoenix sites for possible September rally

Aug 22, 2018, 8:37 AM | Updated: 5:35 pm

President Donald Trump reacts to the song as he arrives at a rally at the Phoenix Convention Center...

President Donald Trump reacts to the song as he arrives at a rally at the Phoenix Convention Center, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump could be planning to make another campaign stop in the Phoenix area before the November midterm elections, and Arizona’s top official was looking forward to it.

“I think Arizona is one of his favorite states, so we certainly expect him to come and we believe they’re looking for a location,” Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.

At least two sites are off the list: Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Phoenix Convention Center.

Jen Yee, assistant executive director with the Arizona Exposition and State Fair, told KTAR News 92.3 FM the office had been contacted about hosting a rally at the Coliseum in early September, but had to decline because the visit conflicted with fair preparations.

The state fair will run Oct. 5-28; potential dates for Trump’s rally were Sept. 5 or 6.

A Phoenix Convention Center spokesperson said Trump’s camp inquired about the same two dates, but the facility didn’t have space available. While no events were scheduled at the downtown venue those days, critical maintenance was already planned during that time.

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac and Gaydos that she felt it was necessary for Trump to campaign in Arizona ahead of the general election.

“I think that we need all the spirit we can get. It’s an interesting election year, and I know that I’ve been watching a lot of the polling and there’s a war going on,” she said.

“And a lot of money is going to be spent — we’re going to be so burnt out with mailers and robocalls and signs on the street and the misleading statements. It’s going to be something that we’ve never probably seen in Arizona.”

Trump has made several trips to Arizona, including a rally Aug. 22, 2017, that devolved into a melee near the Phoenix Convention Center between protesters and police.

(KTAR News Photo)

At that rally, which began with peaceful protests before the event got underway, police were criticized for using tear gas and pepper spray on protesters afterward.

The demonstrators, police said, had been pelting them with rocks and bottles.

A handful of people were arrested that night.

Chief Jeri Williams said her officers did an outstanding job managing the situation.

“They gave people opportunities to comply,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes the morning after the disruption.

“I absolutely give my folks an A-plus.”

Williams ordered a full departmental review. A recommendation by City Manager Ed Zuercher for an independent investigation was withdrawn less than two weeks later.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo)...

Associated Press

Pilot killed in small plane crash near Eloy Municipal Airport

A pilot has been killed in a small plane crash in a vacant lot near Eloy Municipal Airport, about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, police said.

8 hours ago

Firebird Motorsports Park....

KTAR.com

Chandler racing complex renamed Firebird Motorsports Park

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has a new name -- Firebird Motorsports Park.

10 hours ago

Pamela Andrews...

KTAR.com

Silver Alert canceled after 68-year-old woman located

The Mesa Police Department canceled a Silver Alert on Saturday after locating Pamela Andrew, the Arizona Department of Safety says.

10 hours ago

Silver Alert...

KTAR.com

Silver Alert canceled after 81-year-old found dead

John Saler, an 81-year-old who went missing in Tonopah on Wednesday, was found deceased, authorities said Saturday.

12 hours ago

Southwest Human Development...

KTAR.com

New Head Start early education center set to open in Phoenix

Southwest Human Development will host an open house for a new Head Start campus in Phoenix next week.

14 hours ago

caution tape...

KTAR.com

Woman charged with murdering her husband in west Valley home

A woman is behind bars for allegedly murdering her husband in their west Valley home, according to police.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @KTAR923...

The 2023 Diamondbacks are a good example to count on the underdog

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the World Series as a surprise. That they made the playoffs at all, got past the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card round, swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS and won two road games in Philadelphia to close out a full seven-game NLCS went against every expectation. Now, […]

Follow @KTAR923...

West Hunsaker at Morris Hall supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR's Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

Trump camp asks about Phoenix sites for possible September rally