More than 10K sign up for Trump boat parade, rally in Pittsburgh, organizer says

Local supporters of President Trump are planning a boat parade and rally in Pittsburgh on Saturday, saying they are encouraging participants to wear masks and maintain social distance in response to a soaring covid-19 infection rate in Allegheny County.

Tricia Cunningham of Washington Township, founder of the local grassroots group Team Trump PA, said more than 10,000 people and 283 boats have registered online, but it’s anyone’s guess how many will actually show. The event is being organized by her group and Women For Trump, a group dedicated to Trump’s reelection.

The Allegheny Health Department Thursday afternoon issued an order that takes effect Friday and prohibits gatherings of more than 25 people and closes bars, restaurants and casinos for one week, but Cunningham promised the Trump event would go on.

“We are not going to cancel the event,” she said. “We anticipated this. We were still willing to hold it even if we are in the red (coronavirus phase),” she said. “As long as Donald Trump is president, we are Americans, and we will survive.”

She said there wouldn’t be more than 25 people in any one boat and the event is being organized “the right way.”

“I’m asking people to wear masks, wear protections,” she said. “If you’re in close proximity to someone, move away. Don’t cough or sneeze on anyone. Don’t share utensils. People can take precautions. What we’re doing is we’re celebrating freedom, and our president and our first responders.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Hot Metal Bridge in Pittsburgh’s South Side and runs along the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers before a rally at the North Shore Riverfront Park. It’s scheduled to end at 1 p.m.

Organizers are encouraging people to cheer on the boats from river banks and bridges. They encourage boaters to fly Trump flags, American flags and blue and white banners.

Cunningham said she’s secured permits from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard. She said she’s convinced participants can remain safe despite rising coronavirus numbers.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of fun,” she said. “We’re just going to have a great time.”

State and city officials have issued orders prohibiting gathering of 250 or more people and Mayor Bill Peduto issued a statement urging people to “please stay home” if possible over the weekend. He also urged residents to wear masks at all times, practice social distancing and wash hands often.

“As we go into a holiday weekend while also experiencing massive levels of new covid-19 cases in Allegheny County, I strongly and emphatically urge Pittsburgh residents to be careful and smart, and to reconsider any plans for large July 4 gatherings,” he said.

Allegheny County officials declined comment, but noted recommendations laid out by health experts.

The Allegheny County Health Department Thursday reported 233 new covid-19 cases — more than double the number of new cases on Wednesday. Officials said they expect the infection rate to continue climbing significantly.

Pittsburgh-based Dr. Amesh Adalja, a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said event participants should avoid mixing with each other and follow the advice of medical experts.

“If people can remain on their boats, that’s one scenario,” he said. “If people are hopping from boat to boat and mixing, that’s going to give the coronavirus opportunity to infect. Any activity is going to have some level of risk, and that risk is going to be mitigated by actions people take. If people are mixing, then you’re going to see cases likely accrue.”

Politico reported that Trump boat parades began over Memorial Day weekend in Florida and have garnered the support of the president’s reelection campaign.

They’ve since gained traction across the country. Nearly 100 boats and an estimated 500 people showed up for a parade at Conneaut Lake on June 28, according to the Meadville Tribune.