GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump held a rally in Everett, Washington Tuesday night. He was joined by Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee and former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani. Thousands of supporters stood in line for hours to get into Xfinity Arena for the event. Protesters held an anti-Trump event at Clark Park several blocks away, then marched to the arena.
Trump, who read most of his speech from a teleprompter, presented a dark view of the current state of America.
"Our country is going to hell and we're not going to let it happen," Trump said to the cheering crowd.
He said one way to create more jobs is with what he calls an "American energy revolution" that would involve lifting restrictions on oil and natural gas.
Trump didn't talk about building a wall between the United States and Mexico, but did say he would secure the border and would give a major speech on the issue Wednesday in Arizona. He said he wants to keep "drugs from pouring in and destroying our country."
He also drew big applause when he talked about his plan for Syrian refugees.
“We are going to stop the Syrian refugees from entering the United States and instead build a safe zone overseas," he said.
As for why he's visiting Washington state, where he’s 20 points behind in the polls, Trump told his supporters he doesn't believe the polls.
"We’re going to win it, that’s why I’m here," he said.
Supporter 15-year-old Rachel Walsh attended the rally with her family. She says she likes Donald Trump for his straightforwardness.
“He’s brave, he’s bold and he speaks his mind and I think that’s exactly what we need,” she said.
Protesters outside the arena held up signs saying, "No Hate in the White House."
U.S. Representative Rick Larson, who lives in Everett, was one of the Democrats speaking out against Trump's visit. Larson told a group of protesters that Trump's "hate filled rhetoric is not welcome here."
Barricades kept supporters and protesters from getting too close to each other.
