Topline
Almost a dozen people were taken to the hospital while waiting to get into a rally for former President Donald Trump on Thursday, a local ABC affiliate in Phoenix reported—the first Trump rally since he was convicted of 34 felonies.
Key Facts
At least 11 people were taken to the hospital due to heat exhaustion before Trump’s rally began, Phoenix Fire officials told ABC15.
Phoenix, under an excessive heat warning through Friday, hit 111 degrees around 3 p.m.—tying the daily heat record set in 2016, according to the National Weather Service—and marking the first day the Valley reached 110 degrees this year.
At least one woman waiting in line had already collapsed by 10:30 a.m., when the heat was just below 100 degrees, according to the Arizona Republic.
Trump’s rally in Phoenix, which was scheduled to start at 2 p.m., was organized by Turning Point USA, a far-right organization that works with college students.
The Phoenix Fire Department did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
Key Background
Trump is one week removed from his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In total, the charges hold maximum punishments of up to $170,000 in fines and 136 years in prison, though it is unlikely Trump would face such a sentence, as the president is a first-time offender. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just a few days before the start of the Republican National Convention. Outside of his sentencing date, the former president will continue on the campaign trail, as trial dates for his three other criminal cases have yet to be scheduled.
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