RNC Could Be Heading To Jacksonville While Meetings Stay In NC

CHARLOTTE, NC — Following President Donald Trump's announcement last week that the Republican National Convention would not be held in Charlotte as planned due to North Carolina's coronavirus restrictions, the showcase events could now likely be held in Jacksonville, Florida, according to reports.

Prior to the cancellation by Trump, event organizers had been in negotiations with state public health officials about possible accommodations for the convention two years in the making, according to Gov. Roy Cooper. Trump, however, later insisted he wanted a full convention with 19,000 attendees with no social distancing or face covering requirements.

"We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it's unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe," Cooper said in a response following Trump's announcement.

Business meetings for the convention will still likely take place in Charlotte as planned due to existing contractual obligations, The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing two party sources.

"The highly unusual decision to seek an alternative location for the convention’s marquee events — including speeches by President Trump and others — stems from Trump’s desire to accept his party’s nomination before an enormous crowd," the newspaper said.

Last week, GOP officials indicated they were considering Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Jacksonville as potential alternate event sites, Politico reported.

Jacksonville leaders pitched holding the event at the 15,000 seat VyState Arena, WFAE reported. An RNC official, however, told the radio station Wednesday morning that the party continues to consider other venues.

SEE ALSO: Trump Pulls RNC Out Of NC Citing COVID-19 Restrictions

North Carolina is currently under a "Phase 2" executive order, which bans mass gatherings for groups of 25 or more outdoors and 10 or more indoors. That executive order is set to be in place through at least June 26.

The state continues to see an increase in the number of laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as hospitalizations for coronavirus-related illnesses. As of June 10, North Carolina had 38,171 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 1,053 deaths.