Donald Trump was forced to turn away thousands of hopeful attendees at ahead of his rally in Burlington, Vt., Thursday night — a process made easier by the Trump campaign’s decision to limit the event to the billionaire’s supporters.
“We have more than 20,000 people that showed up for 1,400 spots,” the Republican presidential front-runner said in a statement to the Burlington Free Press, who was first to report on the situation.
“I’m taking care of my people, not people who don’t want to vote for me or are undecided. They are loyal to me, and I am loyal to them,” Trump added.
Shortly after news broke of the campaign’s requirement for entry, reporters began flooding Twitter with the faces of individuals who’d waited for hours only to be turned away.
Two girls turned away told me they were told they faced arrest if did not leave event after saying they were undecided voters. #vt #btvtrump
— Elizabeth Murray (@LizMurrayBFP) January 8, 2016
Trump staff asking if you’re a Trump supporter at the door. If no? Turned away. Tim Farr was one. (Vid 1/2) pic.twitter.com/TNfD4jPCoO
— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) January 7, 2016
Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pazo later explained to local media that because Trump’s campaign covered the costs of the event, the candidate had the complete authority to decide who could and couldn’t enter.
“They have the right to say who’s trespassing in violation of their lease agreement, so when people are asked to leave, police escort them out,” del Pazo told the Free Press.
Trump, who was scheduled to take the stage at 7 p.m. ET, took the stage thirty minutes behind schedule.
