Last week’s Republican National Convention provided a glimpse into a cross-section of America, a collection of die-hard Trump supporters fully in their element, bearing sometimes flamboyant displays of affection for the man they hope will be president again.
A myriad of protesters showed up outside the security perimeters, which were guarded by hundreds of security officers from all over the nation. While a number of them came to support expanded human rights, a small yet persistent group of self-proclaimed Christian open-air pastors made their voices known by preaching into megaphones outside of the convention’s exits.
Attendees danced to live music in between speeches, brandishing signs with messages like “Mass deportation now,” “Stop Biden’s border bloodbath,” and “Bring back common sense.” From Texans in cowboy hats to Appalachians bedazzled with sequins, the enthusiasm for Trump was a unifying force.
Republican delegates from Connecticut, including Leora Levy, Ben Proto, and Annalisa Stravato, cheer while nominating former President Donald Trump as their presidential candidate. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Tampa rapper Forgiato Blow attended the RNC convention as a guest. The campaign played his song “Trump Trump Baby” during the convention. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Former U.S. House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy answers questions from delegates at the 2024 RNC convention. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Delegates were seated by state at the RNC Convention in Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Former president Donald Trump greets attendees of the RNC convention on its third day. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Attendees of the 2024 RNC convention photograph former president Donald Trump as he enters the V.I.P. box in the Fiserv Forum. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
RNC convention attendees cheer for former President Donald Trump’s first public appearance since the shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Supporters of former President Trump wore ear patches in solidarity with Trump’s injury from the shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Every day of the convention brought a new assortment of patriotic and Trump-themed outfits to the Fitserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Just outside of the convention perimeter, David Grisham of Amarillo, Texas speaks to a fellow open-air preacher. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
A few dozen parents brought their young children along for the convention. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
Alternate delegates watched the convention from the second floor of the arena. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
A Florida delegate cheers on a call to close the U.S.-Mexico border at the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024. Credit: Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror
