Donald Trump visits Fayetteville, NC for town hall

(This story has been updated to add new information, photos and a video)

Former President Donald Trump is in Fayetteville today for his first campaign appearance in Cumberland County this election cycle.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, will speak at Crown Arena, the campaign announced last weekend. Trump is expected to take the stage for a town hall event at 7 p.m. Doors to Crown Arena will open at 4 p.m

This will be Trump’s first visit to North Carolina since Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of the state late last week.

The Fayetteville Observer has a team on site and we will provide you with live updates throughout the afternoon and evening.

Elected official, social media personality in the crowd | 5:42 p.m

Right-wing social media personality “Silk,” real name Herneitha Rochelle Hardaway, took photos with fans in the audience.

Trump spoke at the funeral of Hardaway’s sister, Ineitha Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway, during his last visit to Fayetteville in January 2023. The sisters, who were from Raeford, were known for their pro-Trump videos on YouTube.

Also in attendance was Nathan Warfel, a Fayetteville attorney who serves on the Cumberland County Board of Education.

The Crown Arena, which has 5,000 seats according to the Crown Complex website, was about 80% full just before 6 p.m

Economy is a problem | 5:32 p.m

Ron and Linda Gurnik, a couple from Pinehurst, said Trump’s border and economic policies are the main reason for their support. “A year ago, when he was in office, we were doing better,” Linda Gurnik said from inside the Krone Arena.Ron Gurnik said he expected better prospects for America with Trump as president. “Hopefully the economy will come back,” Ron Gurnik said. “There are a lot of people who can’t afford anything, and hopefully we can get that limit under control.”

Voters praise Trump for Helena’s reaction | 5:20 p.m

Todd Harris came from Maxton to hear Trump, who he said has a strong chance of defeating Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He praised Trump for his recent visit to mountain communities in western North Carolina hit by Tropical Storm Helene.

Trump has not visited western North Carolina since Helene hit, although he visited a hurricane response center in Evans, Georgia, earlier Friday and criticized the Biden administration’s response to Helene during a visit to Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday .

He said he thanked Trump for “supporting us in North Carolina through our storms.” We don’t get any support from (Kamala Harris).” Kamala Harris announced Friday that she would visit western North Carolina on Saturday. President Joe Biden was in the state on Wednesday.

Todd Harris said if Trump wins another four years, he expects him to build a strong economy and continue to show respect for law enforcement.

“He’s going to do what he’s done for us before,” Harris said.

Medical staff supports a woman | 4:50 p.m

A woman in line was assigned a seat and some water while medical staff spoke to her. She was not removed from the scene.

Others waiting to enter the arena included Channing Perdue, a farmer with land on Cedar Creek Road in Fayetteville.

She said she waited in line for two hours.

“I’m interested in what Trump has to say about what he’s going to do for the economy to help farmers,” she said.

She said she liked several things about Trump.

“I like that he’s honest, that he’s a businessman, that he understands the economy and how to make it better,” she said. “I honestly think he’s very authentic.”

Trump team distributes Newsweek editorial | 4:35 p.m

A media representative at Crown Arena handed out to journalists copies of a Newsweek editorial by a former British Special Forces soldier that claimed Trump would prevent World War III. “I am a former special forces soldier,” reads the headline. “We veterans support Trump – He will stop World War III.”

Participants in a good mood | 4:25 p.m

Despite the long queues, the participants were in a good mood. Some used paper fans to promote “Michele Morrow: NC Superintendent of Public Instruction” and “Protect Women’s Sports.” In addition to the merchandise vendors, there were food and drink carts offering things like hibachi, hot dogs, ice cream cones and soda.

Trump has the support of young voters | 4:15 p.m

At around 4 p.m., participants began lining up in the arena. As they entered, Dolly Parton’s “9-to-5” played, followed by Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music.” In 2018, Rihanna sent the Trump campaign a cease-and-desist letter after the song was used at a Trump rally in Tennessee, according to Rolling Stone.

Sebastian Young, 19, of Fayetteville, was at the rally with four friends. He said of all the candidates, Trump is the one who has his support.

“He’s respected by a lot of people and I think that’s one of the most important things you need as a leader,” Young said. “If no one respects you, you can’t lead.”

Queue at Crown Arena | 3:40 p.m

Tents displaying Trump-supporting merchandise filled the crowded parking lot outside Crown Arena. Individuals waited in a line that stretched across the parking lot to watch the former president’s speech in a few hours.

An employee said about 4,500 people were allowed into the event.

A new Trump supporter | 3:32 p.m

Kenneth Yost of Fayetteville said he recently became a Trump supporter. “I’ve been a libertarian all along,” Yost said. “The way things have been going the last four years, I can’t…between the two options we have, I can’t go the other way.”

Democrats respond: Local Democratic leaders criticize Trump agenda before campaign stop in Fayetteville

Participant brings pro-life message to Fayetteville | 3:15 p.m

A Trump supporter arrived at City Hall in an RV covered in pro-life messages like “Choose Adoption” and “Vote Pro Life.”

Michelle Daniels of Pilot Mountain said she has always had a pro-life attitude and has been traveling the country in an RV for two years. “When you take God out of anything, you see what’s happening in our country,” Daniels said. “God said it was a baby from the moment of conception.”

Donald Trump visits Fayetteville, NC for town hall

ByJasper

Elected official, social media personality in the crowd | 5:42 p.m

Economy is a problem | 5:32 p.m

Voters praise Trump for Helena’s reaction | 5:20 p.m

Medical staff supports a woman | 4:50 p.m

Trump team distributes Newsweek editorial | 4:35 p.m

Participants in a good mood | 4:25 p.m

Trump has the support of young voters | 4:15 p.m

Queue at Crown Arena | 3:40 p.m

A new Trump supporter | 3:32 p.m

Participant brings pro-life message to Fayetteville | 3:15 p.m

By Jasper

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