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An Oklahoma judge blocked an emergency attempt to prevent President Trump’s upcoming Tulsa rally from happening. The plaintiff claimed that the rally will be a “super-spreader” of the coronavirus. They also alleged that the rally would endanger the public.
However, the judge disagreed.
Two immunocompromised Oklahoma residents brought the lawsuit forward. They claim the rally poses a danger since the large crowd will not follow social distancing. The crowd will also not be required to wear face masks.
Plaintiffs Stephen Bruner and Shannon Martin – along with the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and the Greenwood Centre – sued ASM Global, the operators of the Bank of Oklahoma Center where the event is scheduled to take place.
They were hopeful that the court would shut down the center for health reasons. The pair filed an emergency motion seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the event from going on as planned.
“It does not appear by the Petition that Plaintiffs are entitled to the relief demanded,” said Judge Rebecca Brett Nightingale in a one-page order.
Related: Trump Rally-Goers Must Sign Waiver, Cannot Sue Over COVID-19
In their complaint, the plaintiffs noted that medical experts agree with them. The Tulsa rally could pose a great risk to the local community.
“All credible, qualified medical experts, including the CDC, agree that this type of mass-gathering indoor event creates the greatest risk of community-wide viral transmission,” read the complaint.
The plaintiffs insist that their motivation isn’t political. They aren’t trying to shut down the event entirely. Rather, they simply want health-related protocols to be followed.
“Plaintiffs merely seek a court order requiring ASM Global to institute protocols for the June 20 event, including the mandatory use of face masks and social distancing rules for all guests and employees, as recommended by state, local and federal authorities, and by every credible and qualified medical expert who has studied this issue,” read the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs insist they would request the same thing no matter the event. It doesn’t matter to them if the event is a Trump rally, a Biden rally for an Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game.
“This case is not about the president,” the complaint says.
However, Jenna Ellis, the Trump 2020 senior advisor, disputed this. She told Fox News’ Shannon Bream that this is “the democrats’ hypocrisy in wanting to stop President Trump from returning to the campaign trail.”
Nevertheless, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla, is urging senior citizens and those at higher risk to avoid the rally.
“We’re advising people if they’re coming to the rally: If you have co-morbidities, if you are older, or you have other health issues–don’t come. Watch it on TV.”
In other words, maybe those most at risk should consider seeking out the best tablet deals before the event takes place.
Related: Trump Resumes Rallies Despite COVID-19 Risk, Spikes Controversy
