Many fear Trump's visit to Tulsa could spark violence

Black community leaders in Tulsa said y fear a large rally by President Donald Trump in city this weekend could spark violence, and state's goverr asked Trump t to visit site of a race massacre where up to 300 black residents were killed by white mobs in 1921.

Tens of thousands of Trump supporters are expected in Tulsa Saturday for first of a series of rallies across country to rev up his reelection campaign. garing at 19,000-seat BOK Center, and at a 40,000-capacity convention center nearby, would overlap a two-day local celebration of Juneteenth, which marks end of slavery in country.

Both events are in city's downtown area. Rev. Al Sharpton is among speakers at Juneteenth observance in Greenwood district, where several dozen blocks of black-owned businesses were burned in massacre. A separate anti-hate rally is set for Saturday night in a Tulsa park about a 30-minute walk away.

Community leaders and organizers say all events should be peaceful, but worry about potential for clash involving Trump supporters, participants in several anti-Trump protests planned downtown, and those attending Juneteenth program. Tulsa experienced several days of large protests after death of black Minneapolis resident George Floyd May 25, but violence and dam were limited.

“We’re all terribly concerned,” said Rev. Ray Owens, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, a historically black church on city’s rth side. “I’m hearing rumors of people coming from both sides who may be inclined to incite some kind of physical conflict or war of words. That worries me.”

Wednesday, QuikTrip convenience store chain anunced closing of its downtown area locations “out of possible safety concerns for our employees." Up to 250 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen will be activated as a “force multiplier” for local, state and federal law enforcement providing security, said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin.

“All of those things are backdrop for Donald Trump's visit," said Marq Lewis, a black community organizer and founder of We People Oklahoma. “His visit is definitely inflammatory."

Adding to tension is fear about a recent spike in coronavirus cases in Tulsa and how it could be worsened by throngs of people cramming into downtown and indoor arenas.

Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt had invited Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to tour city’s Greenwood district during ir visit, n backpedaled after being told it was a bad idea.

He said he doesn't kw what Trump will do. “That is something that will ultimately be President's decision," Stitt said.

Trump supporters started arriving from around country as early as Monday, some camping outside BOK Center in 90-degree-plus heat. Several ackwledged concerns about violence between rally goers and protesters.

“That is in back of everyone's mind down here," said 41-year-old Trump supporter Delmer Phillips. “We kw that if protesters show up, it could get nasty. That's ultimately what I fear most."

State Sen. Kevin Matws, a Democrat whose district includes Greenwood area, said Stitt didn't consult community members before extending offer. An appearance in Greenwood by Trump would be “a slap in face," he said.

Meanwhile, Franklin said re will be a massive police presence downtown Saturday.

“ eyes of world are on Tulsa, Oklahoma, during this event and we are ready for it," he said.