What You Should Know Ahead of Trump's Visit to Grand Rapids, MI

Former United States President Donald Trump will make an appearance in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The announcement of Trump's visit was made on April 28, and he is expected to highlight the murder of Ruby Garcia.

Who Is Ruby Garcia?

Garcia, a 25-year-old woman from Grand Rapids, was shot and killed on Friday, February 22, 2024. Her body was found along US-131 near Leonard St. 25-year-old Brandon Ortiz-Vite has been charged with first-degree murder, open murder, and carjacking in Garcia's case.

After he was detained, it was revealed that Ortiz-Vite was in the United States illegally.

What is the Connection Between Donald Trump and the Ruby Garcia Murder?

Trump is expected to “deliver Remarks on Biden’s Border Bloodbath in Grand Rapids”, according to a release.

Trump and other members of the Republican Party point to cases such as Garcia's murder as proof that the United States needs to strengthen security at the border between the United States and Mexico.

When Will Donald Trump Be in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Former President Trump is expected to speak in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He will be speaking at DeVos Place. This will be a closed event in which Trump will deliver remarks to members of law enforcement.

The event will not be open to the public.

Kent County GOP's Involvement in Trump's Visit to Grand Rapids

While the public will not be able to be inside of DeVos Place to hear former President Trump speak, the Kent County GOP is inviting citizens to participate in other ways.

They invite Trump supporters to join them for a "Roadside Rally" on Tuesday by, "surround(ing) the roads around DeVos Place with Trump supporters wearing shirts, carrying signs, and waving flags."

How Will Trump's Visit to Grand Rapids Effect Traffic?

Due to the above-mentioned "roadside rally," the streets of downtown Grand Rapids are expected to be congested from at least 1 p.m. until at least 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

It is unknown which route the motorcade bringing the former president downtown will take, but it is expected that traffic will be slowed and temporary closures could take place as he winds his way from the airport to downtown and then back to the airport.