Fans of former President Donald Trump gathered not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday to show support for 45 on the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riot.
Supporters got a glimpse of Trump passing by in a vehicle as he left his golf course. A photo published by the New York Post showed him smiling and flashing a thumbs up.
Those who lined up along Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, at least 100 people, according to reporters present, hoped Trump would swing by again as authorities had cleared the sidewalks and set up barricades, but by sundown, he had not reappeared.
NY Post photographer snaps first image of President Trump on Capitol riot anniversary
Trump, stopped at red light, struck enthusiastic pose after driving past supporters near Mar-a-Lagohttps://t.co/TwtyioGREv
— Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) January 6, 2022
Still, the energy remained high among attendees, many of whom carried “Make America Great Again” flags and pro-Trump signs. Chants of “Let’s go Brandon,” which has become a rallying cry meant to mock President Joe Biden, could also be heard ringing through the air.
Insider reporter Kimberly Leonard, formerly of the Washington Examiner, and Palm Beach Post reporter Gerard Albert III were at the scene, sharing photos from the gathering and quotes from Trump supporters, and the Right Side Broadcasting Network livestreamed the event.
Police just cleared the sidewalk. Trump supporters who gathered said they think Trump is about to roll by. pic.twitter.com/YZw4W5rtNc
— Kimberly Leonard (@leonardkl) January 6, 2022
A few more cars have stated to line up. Trump himself drove by when I was over at Mar-a-Lago. A photographer from @nypost just showed me a photo he got. pic.twitter.com/L2Kec5afWD
— Kimberly Leonard (@leonardkl) January 6, 2022
Spotted at the pro-Trump rally … pic.twitter.com/CFeylVAXJ4
— Kimberly Leonard (@leonardkl) January 6, 2022
Trump supporters are lined up along Southern Blvd waiting for a rumored drive-by from former-President Trump. pic.twitter.com/Fwf10yFBYE
— Gerard Albert III (@gerard_albert3) January 6, 2022
Samantha Wright is here “to support the people held in jail in DC,” she said. “I think it’s completely, 100% politically motivated.” pic.twitter.com/c0nMLKujPz
— Gerard Albert III (@gerard_albert3) January 6, 2022
An emcee announces that in celebration of the “insurrection that wasn’t” he had a special song.
And played Revolution by The Beatles. pic.twitter.com/IWzQxEuFoo
— Gerard Albert III (@gerard_albert3) January 6, 2022
LIVE: Freedom Rally to Show Support for President Trump and January 6th Political Prisoners at Mar-A-Lago https://t.co/v7YzMCLOQp
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) January 6, 2022
Earlier this week, Trump announced that he was scrubbing a Mar-a-Lago press conference planned for Thursday, citing the “total bias and dishonesty” of the House select Jan. 6 committee and the media. He has sent out messages via his Save America PAC blasting Biden, who during a speech at the Capitol linked his predecessor to the violence one year ago.
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“He values power over principle because he sees his own interests as more important than his country’s interest and America’s interest,” Biden said of Trump while discussing his “web of lies” regarding the 2020 election, “because his bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy or our Constitution.”
Not everyone turning out in Florida on Thursday supported Trump. An evening “anti-Trumpism” candlelight vigil was also planned for downtown, according to the Palm Beach Post.
