Trump's Tulsa Rally: Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules On Suit To Block Gathering On Coronavirus Concerns

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday refused to block President Trump’s planned Saturday rally in Tulsa – his first in months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic -- despite fears the gathering could worsen the outbreak. Businesses and residents had asked the court to block the event at the BOK Center, which holds 19,000 people.

The court cited lack of mandatory language in the state’s reopening plan as the basis for denying the request.

Thousands of Trump supporters already have poured into the city ahead of the rally, set for 7 p.m., Saturday. Trump said 1 million people had requested tickets. Those who signed up were required to agree to a waiver that said they cannot sue Trump or his campaign if they become infected with the virus.

The president had accused those opposed to the rally of trying to “covid shame” him.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1272529858501976065?s=20

As of 3 p.m. Friday, Tulsa reported 2,070 confirmed coronavirus infections, up 43.4% from last week and more than 21% of the cases in the state. The city also reported 65 deaths, up 4.8% from last week.

The BOK Center is in a historically black neighborhood. Originally, Trump planned to hold the rally Friday on Juneteenth but agreed to postpone it by one day.

The suit, filed Tuesday, sought a court order barring the rally “to protect against a substantial, imminent, and deadly risk to the community.” Attorney Paul DeMuro argued allowing the gathering to proceed was “madness” considering the spike in coronavirus cases in the city.

Tulsa began reopening businesses June 1. The court ruled businesses had discretion in enforcing social distancing measures.

Mayor G.T. Bynum declared a civil emergency Thursday and imposed a curfew to run through 6 a.m. Saturday, but Trump tweeted the curfew had been lifted.

The curfew was ordered to keep violence from erupting. Trump warned “protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes” would be dealt with harshly.

Trump supporters began camping out at the arena early in the week but the area was cleared Thursday.

“Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn’t started yet,” Trump exulted. The BOK Center, which asked the Trump campaign to provide a social distancing plan, said the campaign plans to pack the arena. Temperatures of attendees are to be taken at the door, and masks and sanitizer were to be made available throughout the venue although mask-wearing will not be mandatory.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said he planned to attend but noted attendance was “voluntary.” He said thousands more would be watching the event from home.

Gov. Kevin Stitt advised those worried about contracting coronavirus and those more than 65 years of age against attending.