Former President Trump Campaigns at Rally in Erie

Former President Donald Trump spent about one-hour, 45-minutes laying out his case to be elected the next U.S. President at a campaign rally at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center on Sunday afternoon.

Trump started by expressing his thoughts for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. He then accused his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris of fundraising instead of addressing the storm devastation.

He also touched on Erie being a Democratic area until Trump was elected in 2016. However, President Joe Biden, a Democrat, won Erie County in 2020. Trump later accused the Democrats of cheating elections, which he said is why he needed to campaign in Erie.

Trump also claimed Harris changed her position on a number of issues including fracking and border security and warned electing his opponent would harm the country. 

He also accused Harris and the Biden administration of allowing criminals including terrorists, rapists and human and drug traffickers to enter the country. He also said her policies would cause illegal citizens and migrants to flood into Pennsylvania. The campaign also played a series of video clips touching on the subject during the rally.

Trump showed a graph, touting his administration's performance on illegal immigration into the country. He said the graphic saved his life and was the one shown during the rally in Butler when he turned his head, and a gunshot grazed his ear during the first assassination attempt. Trump discussed the assassination attempt including the man who was killed by gunfire at that rally, the two others who were injured and his plans to return to the same site for a rally Saturday.

He criticized Harris' energy policies, claiming they are costing the country money and jobs. In contrast, Trump also promised no taxes on overtime, tips and Social Security benefits for seniors.

Trump attacked Harris' record as a prosecutor and referenced his indictments and criminal conviction. He also cited his favorable poll numbers and endorsements.

He also encouraged attendees to vote early or absentee and expressed his support for Republican David McCormick, who Trump called to the stage and is running against Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

Democrats respond

The Harris campaign slammed Trump's record in a statement regarding Sunday's visit:

“Pennsylvanians remember how Donald Trump failed us, killing over 275,000 jobs, including over 15,000 shipped overseas. Trump’s Project 2025 agenda would be even worse, giving billionaires handouts while raising costs by nearly $4,000 a year on working families. There’s only one candidate in this race who will stand up for Pennsylvanian workers: Vice President Harris.”

Increased security

His plane arrived at Erie International Airport just before 1:30 p.m.

Trump's arrival was met with heavy security including police blocking off cross-streets around the airport and PennDOT trucks surrounding the inside perimeter of the airfield.

Snipers could also be seen on the roofs of nearby buildings. It comes after two reported assassination attempts since mid-July.

Former President Trump speaks at campaign rally

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Bayfront Convention Center arrival

Airport arrival