HOUSTON - More than 20,000 fans turned out to the Toyota Center on Monday hoping to see President Donald Trump in person.
Some supporters started lining up on Sunday night to ensure a spot inside. However, the hours of waiting didn’t seem to dampen spirits.
“Everyone is and so nice and so friendly and warm,” said Trump supporter Lynsie Fisher. “It's been a great day.”
Army veteran Lou Hall says he supports the president because of his military policies and wanted to show his support in person.
“I know Trump...the way he supported us in the military,” Hall said. “I'm ex-military, a Vietnam vet, my son’s Army. An Army recruiter in Austin, Texas. Everything he’s doing, he’s doing the best that we have ever experienced in America, and I am all for Trump...in and out...always.”
The doors opened to the crowd at about 2 p.m. and by 5:30 p.m., the Toyota Center was at capacity, leaving about 3,000 supporters to watch the rally from a big screen outside, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.
“It was a bit frustrating,” said Trump supporter Aaron Kelley. “I think if we had made it another 15 minutes earlier, we would've gotten in.”
“It was a commitment to come down here and take our chances getting inside,” said supporter Matt Guse. “Obviously, we didn't make it, but at least we get to stand around with everybody else and to cheer our support.”