Updates: Donald Trump makes his case in St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD — Former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican nominees for president and vice president, respectively, visited St. Cloud Saturday, July 27, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University.

1/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

2/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

3/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

4/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

5/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

6/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance greet the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

7/89: Representative Tom Emmer speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

8/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

9/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

10/89: Mike Lindell greets the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

11/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

12/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

13/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

14/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

15/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

16/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

17/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

18/89: Security people scan the crowd at Donald Trump and J.D. Vance's Republican presidential campaign rally on Saturday, July 27, at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

19/89: Senate candidate Royce White takes a picture with people in the crowd before the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

20/89: Security people scan the crowd at Donald Trump and J.D. Vance's Republican presidential campaign rally on Saturday, July 27, at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

21/89: Security people scan the crowd at Donald Trump and J.D. Vance's Republican presidential campaign rally on Saturday, July 27, at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

22/89: Senate candidate Royce White greets people in the crowd before the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

23/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance introduces Donald Trump to the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

24/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance introduces Donald Trump to the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

25/89: People start to fill up the arena before for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

26/89: Former President Donald Trump tells the press to show the crowd as everyone turns to look at the press area Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

27/89: The St. Cloud Police Department was one of several law enforcement agencies onsite Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center for a rally by former President Donald Trump. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

28/89: People form a line stretching far in the distance to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

29/89: Security was tight Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Trump/Vance campaign rally at St. Cloud State Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

30/89: People try to stay cool as they gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

31/89: People in a line to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance try to stay cool while waiting Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

32/89: People form a line stretching far in the distance to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

33/89: Former President Donald Trump tells the press to show the crowd, even the people way up in the corners, Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

34/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

35/89: People gather for the Donald Trump rally Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

36/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

37/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

38/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

39/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

40/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

41/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

42/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

43/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

44/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

45/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

46/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

47/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

48/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

49/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

50/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

51/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

52/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

53/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

54/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

55/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

56/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

57/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

58/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

59/89: A view from the press area Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

60/89: A view of the press area Saturday, July 27, 2024, before a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

61/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

62/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

63/89: Pledge of Allegiance Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

64/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

65/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

66/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

67/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

68/89: People cheer as vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance turns toward them on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

69/89: People gather to see Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey

70/89: Representative Tom Emmer on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

71/89: Representative Tom Emmer speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

72/89: Representative Tom Emmer speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

73/89: Representative Tom Emmer speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

74/89: Mike Lindell walks through the crowd to cheers Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

75/89: Mike Lindell walks through the crowd to cheers Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

76/89: Mike Lindell speaks to the crowd on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

77/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance greet the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

78/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

79/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance greet the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

80/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

81/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

82/89: Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

83/89: Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

84/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

85/89: Former President Donald Trump listens to Shannon Owen, widow of fallen police officer Josh Owen, speak after inviting her on stage Saturday night, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

86/89: Former President Donald Trump points to the crowd as he exits after his speech Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

87/89: Former President Donald Trump points to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

88/89: Former President Donald Trump looks at the media section as the crowd booed after Trump made a comment about the media Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

89/89: Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd Saturday, July 27, 2024, during a campaign rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Following is St. Cloud LIVE's coverage from around the city and from the rally. Reporting by Trent Abrego, Lauren Breunig, Maya Geving, and J.J. Perry.

SATURDAY NIGHT COVERAGE:

Minnesota

Donald Trump appears in St. Cloud with goal to turn Minnesota red

The St. Cloud event comes two weeks after an assassination attempt against the Republican nominee for president at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Jul 27, 2024

 · 

By  Lauren Breunig

Minnesota

Security tight at Trump/Vance campaign rally at St. Cloud State

The St. Cloud event comes two weeks after an assassination attempt against the Republican nominee for president at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Jul 29, 2024

 · 

By  Andy Rennecke

Thousands of people were waiting to greet former president Donald Trump with a standing ovation long before he stepped on stage in front of a sign that said, “Minnesota is Trump Country,” at 7:33 p.m.

Trump smiled as the crowd pumped their fists and chanted “USA, USA, USA.”

“We must call on Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians — everyone — to put respect back in the United States’ name.”

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

By Lauren Breunig

ST. CLOUD — During his remarks Saturday night, GOP vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance wasted no time in taking shots at President Joe Biden, calling him one of the worst presidents in American history. The crowd in St. Cloud responded by chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”

Trump proved he was more equipped for the job than Biden during their June debate, Vance said. Vance claimed the media has covered up Biden’s incompetence for nearly four years.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

“They told us that Joe Biden was Abraham Lincoln, and now they’re saying Kamala Harris is Martin Luther King Jr.,” Vance said. “She is a card-carrying member of her San Francisco lunatic friends. America isn’t going to be fooled by the media's lies anymore.”

He went on to say Harris was at fault for the worst border crisis in the country’s history, referencing the vice president’s time as border czar. Vance went on to claim that Harris let 10 million undocumented people into the country on purpose.

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

That would all change if Trump was elected, Vance said.

“I have a very simple message to millions of illegal aliens in this country: If you're here, start packing your bags right now because Donald J. Trump is going to be the next president,” Vance said.

Additionally, Trump would finish the border wall, he said.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

He also said Harris want more criminals on the street, referencing a false claim that Harris had donated to the bail funds of protesters during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests that erupted across the country after the murder of George Floyd.

“The American people will never elect a wacky San Francisco liberal like Kamala Harris,” Vance said.

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

After Floyd was killed in Minneapolis by former police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, Harris tweeted , “If you’re able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota.”

“We have no connection to Harris or her campaign beyond this four-year-old tweet that is occasioning all of this additional interest in our organization,” Minnesota Freedom Fund spokesperson Noble Frank told MPR News last week.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Frank told MPR that the fund’s mission is to keep low-income defendants out of pretrial detention so they can prepare their defenses from home as do those who have the financial means to post cash bail or contract with a bail bondsman.

Stay with St. Cloud LIVE this evening for updates.

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

Former President Donald Trump’s plane landed at the St. Cloud Regional Airport.

Republican presidential nominee Trump is expected to drive to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center by motorcade.

Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, is onstage speaking now at Herb Brooks.

Stay with St. Cloud LIVE this evening for updates.

District 6 U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer took the stage to endorse Trump and Vance, saying the July 13 assassination attempt only made the Republican party stronger. He was met with cheers when he called to turn Minnesota red for the first time in half a century.

Then, he turned his attention to Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Make no secret the Biden/Harris administration has caused havoc across our great state,” Emmer said. “Now that Harris is the nominee she doesn’t just represent his failed policies she represents his total embrace of radical embrace his party.”

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Emmer addressed the rumor that Harris might pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as a running mate, calling the potential move a mistake.

Walz is trying to turn Minnesota into Harris’ home state of California, Emmer said.

“Walz is an empty suit who should not be allowed anywhere near the White House,” Emmer said. “There is only one solution to have Walz involved in Harris administration and that is electing J.D. Vance and Donald Trump in November.”

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

According to the social media account Trump Jet (Tracking) (@trumpjet.grndcntrl.net on Bluesky), Donald Trump’s 757AF jet has taken off from Nashville, where he spoke earlier today at a Bitcoin conference.

The Trump Jet (Tracking) account also posted that J.D. Vance’s Charter Jet (N917XA) landed at the St. Cloud Regional Airport at about 12:45 p.m.

The parking lot and surrounding streets at the airport were closed earlier today by law enforcement.

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

A steady stream of attendees has filtered in.

Many sport the red baseball hat reading “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” Trump is known for. Others wear the American flag or a Trump flag around their shoulders as a cape. More yet wear some of the merch they bought while waiting in line. Overall, the crowd has taken on a patriotic hue as the colors red, white and blue stand out from the bleachers.

One man was dressed as Uncle Sam, complete with the white facial hair.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Volunteers can be identified on the floor by their uniform of red hats, white shirts and khakis. They stand at the entrances and help people find seating or get wristbands as needed.

A cheer rippled through the crowd as attendees spotted Royce White, a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate, near the stage. Sporadic cheers and whistles erupted as he moves to his seat.

White is running against Sen. Amy Klouchar, D-Minn., who has been in office since 2007.

— Reporter Lauren Breunig, inside the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

There have been multiple reports of heat-related incidents outside of the Herb Brooks Center, per local police scanner traffic.

The total number of heat-related incidents are currently unknown.

In one instance, an attendee was seen on the ground getting assistance from St. Cloud Police.

Local emergency responders have been bringing ice packs to some people waiting in line in the 90-degree heat this afternoon.

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

Trump appeared at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, July 24, when temperatures reached 88 degrees. Several were hospitalized following heat-related incidents, according to Queen City News. A total of 42 calls were made to emergency staff, and 12 were transported to a hospital with minor injuries, according to the outlet.

— Reporter Trent Abrego

Local

Trump rally doesn't slow students' fundraiser for ailing church member

Four girls raise $3,000 in the Saturday heat, despite competition from Trump rally a mile away.

Jul 27, 2024

 · 

By  Maya Geving

Special guests — those people who paid to sit in a box behind the stage — have started filtering into the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The doors for general admission opened at 3 p.m.

An excited buzz of conversation thrums through the building as people begin to take their seats. The sound quickly blends with the music — including songs like “Macho Man” by Village People and “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA — blaring through the speakers

The ice of the rink was melted, allowing the Trump campaign to cover the floor with plastic, white folding chairs. The center has 6,000 seats but can fit up to 8,000 people, according to SCSU officials.

Lauren Breunig / St. Cloud LIVE

The facility’s monitors are lit up blue with “TRUMP VANCE 2024” in big, bold letters.

Outside the arena, the rally truly begins blocks before the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Pop-up shops selling Trump merch and parked cars line the streets leading up to the rally.

Supporters can be seen pursuing shirts featuring the presidential candidate’s face and phrases like “Never Surrender” or “Make America Great Again.”

Closer to the hockey rink, a line at least three to four people deep — causing some to stand on the curb close to passing cars — coils around the grassy area in front of the center. People selling Trump shirts, hats and other goods walk up and down the line.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Stearns County Sheriff's Office and St. Cloud Police cars are clustered near entry points. They are also dotted around the line of people waiting to get in. Black Secret Service vehicles idle close to the front of the building.

— Reporter Lauren Breunig, inside the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

3 p.m. update:

• Security at the St. Cloud Regional Airport has closed the airport parking lot, and streets leading to the lot are expected to close soon. Former President Trump is expected to arrive to St. Cloud by plane today.
• A Trump/Vance airplane at the airport now is related to campaign staff that arrived in St. Cloud ahead of the rally.
• Meanwhile, Trump at this hour is onstage and speaking at a Bitcoin conference, in Nashville, Tennessee.  

Maya Geving / St. Cloud LIVE

Local emergency responders have been bringing ice packs to some people waiting in line in the 90-degree heat this afternoon.

Due to the oppressive heat, some people have been huddling under umbrellas while others have discarded their shirts.

The doors at Herb Brooks are scheduled to open at 3 p.m.

Street parking will not be available on Fifth Ave. S today, according to signs along the street. The order comes from the St. Cloud Police Department.

Maya Geving/ St. Cloud LIVE

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

Multiple attendees told St. Cloud LIVE that Trump rallies are a social event. That was true for Gary Beckel, a Minneapolis resident.

Beckel said the St. Cloud rally will be his fifth. While he expects the St. Cloud rally to be "nothing special," he made the more-than 60-mile drive for a social event.

David Ray, from St. Cloud, along with his daughter April, were in attendance on Saturday morning.

The two were beating the heat by sitting under a tree, however, they weren't in line. David told St. Cloud LIVE that after arriving at 8:30 a.m., he feared they arrived too late.

The Trump rally at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center will be able to hold anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 people.

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

Vendors selling everything from Trump apparel and memorabilia to food and water were on hand during the event on Saturday morning.

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

That included Quintin Bartell of Qs Treasure Chest. He said his stand selling Trump-related items travels across the country. Recently, he was in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention and in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a rally.

Another vendor said they were from Columbia, South Carolina and traveled for the event.

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

Supporters of Royce White, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, were in attendance Saturday morning. White is running as a Republican in the race.

Scott Brodeen, a candidate for the St. Cloud City Council, was there and had signs promoting his campaign.

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Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville today, hours before he arrives in St. Cloud, The Washington Post reports.

Trump is expected to fly in to St. Cloud Regional Airport, and travel by motorcade to Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

The city of St. Cloud this morning announced an updated road closure list in advance of the Trump rally, according to a news release.

Closed intersections

• University Drive and Seventh Avenue South
• University Drive and Fifth Avenue South.

The intersections of University Drive South and Ninth Avenue South will remain open. The intersection of University Drive and Kilian Boulevard closed July 17, according to officials.

A full list of closures can be found on the city's website at ci.stcloud.mn.us/307/Road-Construction-Projects.

Trent Abrego / St. Cloud LIVE

Lines for the Donald Trump rally began to wrap around the Herb Brooks Center by 8 a.m., according to event volunteers.

Tom Popescu, from St. Louis Park, said he was one of the first in line at 3 p.m. Friday. It's Popescu's first rally and he isn't sure what to expect, he told St. Cloud LIVE.

Other people in the line were jovial while some said they were concerned they were not in line early enough.

At about 9:30 a.m. the crowd started moving closer to the entrance at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Once people are in line, they are able to leave, one volunteer told St. Cloud LIVE. There are multiple bathrooms on site.

The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center can hold anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 people.

Maya Gevig / St. Cloud LIVE

The National Weather Service is reporting temperatures will be in the 90s later today.

Heat indexes are expected to hit 96, according to the agency.

As of 8:30 a.m., Trump supporters were already lining the streets near the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

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Dozens of Trump supporters line up in St. Cloud 1 day before rally

"Front Row Joes" — a term used for avid supporters who camp out at Trump rallies — have already begun lining up for Saturday's Trump/Vance rally.

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COVERAGE OF TRUMP/VANCE ST. CLOUD RALLY:

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Fact check: Trump falsely claims that he, not Walz, deployed National Guard during Floyd protests

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11 treated at hospital due to heat outside Trump rally

Thousands waited for hours Saturday outside of the St. Cloud rally in temperatures in the 90s for most of the day.

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By  Trent Abrego

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Security tight at Trump/Vance campaign rally at St. Cloud State

The St. Cloud event comes two weeks after an assassination attempt against the Republican nominee for president at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

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Central Minnesota progressive group plans protest of Trump St. Cloud event

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By  Stephanie Dickrell

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Area hotels fill up ahead of Trump/Vance rally in St. Cloud

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SCSU building services supervisor helped Secret Service behind scenes at Trump rally

Dan Anderson, a Brainerd native who now lives in Sartell, worked more than 18 hours at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on Saturday, July 27.

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Trump just the latest president to visit St. Cloud

Several current and former presidents and vice presidents have visited St. Cloud for more than 70 years. That includes Eisenhower, Clinton and both George Bushes.

Jul 24, 2024

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By  Maya Geving