Mayor Gallego Statement On Presidential Rally In Phoenix

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

June 22, 2020

PHOENIX- Tomorrow, the President will be hosting a campaign rally at a private church in North Phoenix. The event was not sanctioned or permitted by the City of Phoenix, as the city does not permit political events. Furthermore, it does not abide by current CDC guidelines during COVID-19.

While I do not believe an event of this magnitude can be held safely, particularly as Arizona sees rising COVID cases, the President has decided to continue with this rally.

City officials have contacted both the church and presidential campaign staff to alert them to the city's masking policy. The goal of this policy is not to hand out citations but to educate the public on the virus and its transmission. That is why we have started a robust public outreach campaign focused on education. The city has not changed this enforcement policy for tomorrow's event. The church has indicated that they will be handing out masks to eventgoers and taking temperatures upon check-in.

We've seen tremendous compliance with the mask ordinance that went into effect this weekend. Everyone attending tomorrow's event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask. This includes the President.

Public health is a group effort, not a partisan issue. It requires the participation of every resident and level of government.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.