Reports of a car bomb near Donald Trump’s rally on September 18 have quickly gained widespread attention. This incident, amplified by social media, sparked concerns about security and safety at political events. Local authorities were quick to address the speculations, providing clarity on what truly transpired as tensions surrounding the former president remain high.
Here’s a closer look at the facts behind the reports of the bomb threat and explosives, and their implications for Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign.
Was a car with explosives found near Donald Trump’s rally?
No, authorities did not find a car bomb near Donald Trump’s rally in Uniondale, New York.
False reports of explosives surfaced on social media just hours before the event at Nassau Coliseum on September 18, 2024. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder clarified that a civilian, reportedly training a bomb detection dog near the site, falsely reported finding explosives. (via Associated Press)
This incident occurred in the lead-up to Trump’s campaign rally, days after an assassination attempt targeting him in Florida. Police detained the individual responsible for the false report. They clarified that the person had no affiliation with law enforcement or the rally. The rapid spread of these rumors on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) contributed to confusion and concern. This prompted law enforcement to step in and dispel the misinformation.
The Nassau County Police Department, working swiftly to contain the situation, emphasized that there was “no validity” to the claims. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, shared the false information online, further amplifying the narrative. Despite the rumors, thousands of Trump supporters gathered safely for the rally, which marked the former president’s first event on Long Island since 2017.
The rally occurred amidst a tense political climate, following a recent assassination attempt on Trump at his Florida golf club. Authorities anticipated heightened security and counter-demonstrations, including protests from the local Haitian community, near Nassau Coliseum.
