Trump to tour hurricane damage, hold rally in NC Monday

Fayetteville, N.C. — President Donald Trump will tour damage from Hurricane Dorian with Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday afternoon before speaking at a “Keep America Great” rally at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville.

The Keep America Great rally will take center stage inside the Expo Center, which can accommodate 7,000 people, The Fayetteville Observer reported. The president is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m., but doors will open to the public at 4 p.m. Admission is free, but those who want to attend are asked to register in advance.

Registration does not guarantee entry. Entrance into the event is first come, first serve.

Trump is expected to depart the White House at 2:15 p.m. and fly to Havelock, North Carolina, according to a schedule released by the White House. While at the coast, he is expected to tour Dorian damage.

By 6 p.m., the president will head to Fayetteville for the rally.

Trump’s visit comes right before voters in North Carolina’s 9th congressional district head to the polls Tuesday for a special election. The North Carolina Board of Elections ordered a new election back in February after an investigation found evidence of fraud in the race.

On Monday, 9th district candidate and democrat Dan McCready, who Trump has campaigned against, will gather with veterans and military families solicit votes in downtown Fayetteville in an event called “Operation Get Out the Vote.”

According to a press release, the group will meet at the N.C. Veterans Park, discuss their mission, then break out into small groups to walk Hay Street and go door-to-door to knock on voters’ doors.

Trump has announced his support for Dan Bishop, who is running against McCready, Libertarian Jeff Scott and Green Party candidate Allen Smith in the 9th district race.

“We are excited that President Trump would take time out of his busy schedule to campaign during this very important election,” said Jessica Proud, a spokesperson with Bishop’s campaign.

Fayetteville police have not received any permit requests from protesters during the event, according to a statement from Sgt. Jeremy Glass with the Fayetteville Police Department.

Crown Complex anticipates traffic congestion around Trump rally

In anticipation of crowds eager to join in the rally, Crown Complex officials offered guidance for traffic traveling in the area Monday afternoon.

For patrons traveling northbound on Interstate 95 (Lumberton Area): Vehicles traveling northbound on Interstate 95 should take Exit 40 (I-95BUS N/US-301 N). Travel north on US-301 until directed by local Law Enforcement to turn RIGHT on to Owen Drive and will enter the complex via the Owen Drive entrance at the Crown Complex.

For patrons traveling southbound on Interstate 95 (Dunn/Benson/Eastover Area): Vehicles traveling southbound on Interstate 95 should take Exit 46B (NC-87N). Travel north on HWY 87 until Exit 100 – Owen Drive. Local Law Enforcement will direct traffic to turn LEFT into the Owen Drive entrance at the Crown Complex.

For patrons traveling northbound on US-301 (Grays Creek Area): Vehicles traveling northbound on US-301 will be directed by Local Law Enforcement to turn RIGHT on to Owen Drive and will enter the complex via the Owen Drive entrance at the Crown Complex.

For patrons traveling on MLK Freeway (North Fayetteville/Ramsey Street Area): Use Exit 100 – Owen Drive. Local Law Enforcement will direct traffic to turn LEFT into the Owen Drive entrance at the Crown Complex.

For patrons traveling east on Owen Drive (Cross Creek Mall Area): Vehicles are to use both thru lanes to cross US-301. Local Law Enforcement will be directing traffic toward the facility. Vehicles will enter via the Owen Drive entrance of the Crown Complex.

For patrons traveling on All-American Expressway (Fort Bragg Area): Vehicles travelling on All American Expressway are to continue east onto Owen Drive. Vehicles are to use both thru lanes to cross US-301. Local Law Enforcement will be directing traffic toward the facility. Vehicles will enter via the Owen Drive entrance of the Crown Complex.