Extreme heat in Arizona sent 11 people to the hospital as thousands gathered for a campaign rally with former President Donald Trump. The temperature reached a scorching 111 degrees as Trump took the stage at Phoenix Dream City Church shortly after 2 P.M. local time.
This rally was Trump’s first public appearance since his criminal conviction in a New York hush-money case, which found him guilty of falsifying business records in connection with a payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump used the event to denounce the case as politically motivated and called for his conviction to be overturned.
Security Measures and Heat Challenges
Supporters began lining up early outside the church, but strict security measures caused significant delays, forcing many to endure the extreme heat for extended periods. The National Weather Service (NWS) had forecasted record-breaking temperatures, and an excessive heat warning was in effect for Phoenix. Authorities urged the public to stay indoors and stay hydrated.
Trump’s 90-Minute Address
Trump addressed the crowd for about 90 minutes, discussing his conviction and laying out his policy plans. He criticized President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at reducing migrant arrivals at the US-Mexico border, promising to revoke it if he returns to office. Following the rally, Trump headed to San Francisco for a fundraiser.
This heatwave follows the hottest May on record, with temperatures soaring even before the official start of summer. The unprecedented heat is raising concerns about the effects of climate change on Arizona’s already high temperatures.
