STATE COLLEGE — The 45th president of the United States made his way to Centre County for a campaign rally on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Bryce Jordan Center. Former president and current Republican Party candidate, Donald J. Trump, arrived on Saturday evening to the Penn State University venue, speaking to a crowd of thousands on how he would improve the economy, why people should vote for him instead of his opposition Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, immigration, transgender women in sports, fracking and more.
Before Trump took to the podium, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, State Rep. John Joyce, R-Blair and State Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, spoke, among others.
Trump spoke for around 80 minutes, mentioning current and former Penn State wrestlers in attendance. Some of the wrestlers took to the stage after Trump welcomed them up, including three-time national champion and 2024 Olympian Zain Retherford, who reminded the attendees of the importance of Pennsylvania as a swing state in elections and encouraged them to get out and vote.
Doors for the event opened at noon, though many arrived early Saturday morning to claim a place in line.
Though the event brought in thousands of fans donning MAGA gear and signs in support of the former president, Penn State student groups, the People’s Defense Front and the Student Committee for Defense and Solidarity, organized a protest against the former president’s appearance at the BJC.
“It is our duty to defend our communities from racism and hate that Trump’s presence seeks to inflame in State College,” the groups wrote in a statement on social media. “Help us protect our communities from such racist violence by protesting Trump’s visit. Let’s send the message through direct action that Trumpism is not welcome here.”
With the contentious nature of the election, security was on high alert prior to and during Trump’s attendance in State College.
Prior to the rally and protest, a Centre County resident was arrested for making threats against the president on Friday, Oct. 25.
According to an affidavit, Paul J. Gavenonis, 74, made claims about climbing to the top of the BJC in order to get a gun into the venue, an act that would not be possible due to security measures. According to police, Gavenonis stated, “I hate Donald Trump. I’d like to shoot that guy.”
The statements were made while Gavenonis was buying a commuter lot parking pass at the Penn State Transportation Office and staff at the office contacted the police. He was then interviewed by police and the Secret Service.
Trump’s appearance in Centre County may not be his last. The presidential candidate is expected to attend the Penn State versus Ohio State football game on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Beaver Stadium.
“Donald Trump’s team is making plans for the former president to attend the Ohio State-Penn State game on Nov. 2 in State College,” Ross Dellenger, college football writer for Yahoo Sports, first tweeted.
“If the schedule is finalized, he’d be appearing in a swing state three days before Election Day. Trump attended the UGA-Bama game earlier this year.”
According to Penn State spokesman Wyatt DuBois, the former president was invited to attend the game by “a private citizen.” The game is notable for Penn State fans with the two long term rivals facing off and the return of ESPN’s “College GameDay” featuring the showdown. Still, the university noted that they were working alongside the Secret Service to ensure the former president’s and those in attendance’s safety.
*Since the publication of this story, a spokesperson from the university has since stated Trump is no longer planning to attend the Saturday game.
