Phoenix Law Enforcement Prepare For President Trump Rally Downtown

By Casey Kuhn
Published: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 4:34pm
Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 - 12:48pm
(Photo by Casey Kuhn - KJZZ)
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton asked President Donald Trump to delay his rally after the deadly Charlottesville rally.

Phoenix safety organizations say they're confident President Donald Trump's rally Tuesday will go smoothly. 

Phoenix's mayor joined half a dozen local law enforcement officials to say they are ready for whatever happens Tuesday evening. He said they expect tens of thousands of people at the rally.

Phoenix police said they are working with the Secret Service and National Guard to coordinate efforts.

Police Chief Jeri Williams said there will be maximum staffing, and they will use their emergency operations center, which is activated when large groups come downtown.

"If you remember back to the Final Four, we had thousands of folks downtown that we were able to manage and this won't be any different," Williams said. "We're just asking our community members to be prepared, plan ahead, hydrate and we'll take care of any issues or challenges as they arise."

Road closures will go into effect around the convention center in the afternoon, at Monroe Street from Second to Seventh street. Third and Fifth street on that block will be closed as well.

The downtown Superior Court of Arizona is also closing its buildings early at 2 p.m.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said police are working with all local officers, as well as the Secret Service and National Guard.

"We want to give you every opportunity to express your first amendment rights, no matter what your opinion happens to be," Stanton said. "However, as mayor of the city of Phoenix I'm expecting you to be civil, respectful and peaceful. "

The president's rally begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with people expected to start gathering several hours before.