Hundreds of Donald Trump followers were left stranded in the California desert after a rally in the Coachella Valley over the weekend. The event attracted thousands of passionate supporters, despite soaring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. As they gathered to hear the former president speak, many faced the harsh reality of the heat, with reports of some attendees collapsing from the stifling conditions.
Prior to the event, organizers arranged several buses to transport supporters to the rally venue. However, the aftermath of the rally revealed significant logistical issues. Poorly organized transportation and insufficient basic services left many attendees scrambling to find their way home, with some stranded miles away from their parked cars, as highlighted by the Times of San Diego.
Videos shared on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), captured the chaos. One video shows a bus driver announcing that the bus leaving the venue was the last one, while another passenger lamented, “No more buses, they just got notice.” Such scenes painted a picture of disarray, as many attendees were left to fend for themselves in the harsh environment.
A different video posted by an attendee described the scene as “chaos,” revealing that many faced a daunting two-hour walk through the desert to locate a parking lot, often without water or any form of shelter. This is not the first time Trump rally attendees have encountered such issues. In 2020, rally-goers in Omaha were also left stranded in the cold when transportation failed to arrive.
As social media buzzed with confusion and frustration, some attendees noted that organizers had promised transportation to and from nearby parking areas. However, as the event concluded, it became apparent that the number of buses arranged was grossly inadequate for the large crowd.
According to a since-deleted post on X, one attendee claimed that “apparently 60 [buses] were employed for this event,” but all had been called off. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reportedly informed bus drivers to cease picking up participants, leaving many to navigate their own way back.
Newsweek attempted to reach out to the CHP, the Coachella mayor, and the local sheriff's office for comments, but responses were deferred back to the campaign team for clarity on event logistics. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office noted that they were not responsible for the transportation arrangements.
The rally's management has drawn scrutiny, raising questions about the safety of hosting large gatherings under extreme conditions without adequate support systems in place. Earlier on the rally day, law enforcement arrested a man near the event for possessing a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.
This incident unfolded about half a mile from the rally entrance, highlighting concerns over security and safety at such events. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise during large public gatherings, particularly in extreme climates.
Update 10/14/24, 12:58 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Virginia Joins Dozen States In Banning Child Marriage: A Step Towards Protecting Minors
Discover The Friendliest Dog Breeds: Research From The University Of Helsinki
Kamala Harris: A Critical Examination Of Women's Health Policies And Their Implications
