Former President Donald Trump visited a barbershop in the Bronx Thursday ahead of his scheduled appearance at the noted Al Smith dinner in the city later in the evening.
A large security detail, including a huge tent, was seen being set up outside King of Knockouts barbershop in Castle Hill. Sharpshooters could be seen on the roof of the building.
While he did not get his hair done, Trump spoke with some customers as they were getting cuts and touch-ups, trying to maximize the modest inroads he has made with men of color during this election season. Video shared by the campaign showed him talking with employees and shop regulars, as well as the owner of the store and his father.
President @realDonaldTrump visits Javiel’s Barbershop in Bronx, NY 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/b5wYT0KSb9
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) October 17, 2024
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A significant law enforcement presence was evident at the scene. Ahead of Trump's arrival, a protester was taken into custody for transgressing the barricades. The 38-year-old man attempted to light a banner on fire, according to police, who noted the security zone was not breached and Trump was not there at the time.
There were also some tense exchanges between those for and against Trump. There was a large crowd gathered around the block.
Trump is in New York City for Thursday night's Al Smith charity dinner, where he will be the featured speaker. Presidential candidates typically attend the annual event.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has said she will skip it to campaign in Wisconsin, making her the first invited presidential candidate in 40 years to skip the event. A recorded message from her will play instead.
The event's host, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, said during a warmup event with emcee Jim Gaffigan that he was upset Harris would not be in attendance in person.
Trump got some blowback in 2016 after the event, as some accused him of taking the humor a little too far when he said on stage that Hillary Clinton was there "pretending not to hate Catholics." The former president has also accused Harris of snubbing Catholics.
Cardinal Dolan said the white-tie affair is not a Catholic event, but rather a bipartisan event that he hoped could bring the two sides together.
