In a memo obtained by the Daily Egyptian, Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams said to city council members President Trump could potentially be holding a rally in Carbondale on Oct. 27.

“Our PD was contacted on Monday from the US Secret Service (SSA) to inform us that President Trump is interested in having a political rally in Carbondale on 10/27,” Williams said in the memo. “Although these conversations were preliminary, it sounded to us that there was a decent chance that the event could happen.”

Williams said if the President does come to Carbondale for a rally, Air Force One will be landing at Southern Illinois Airport. He said they haven’t told police department staff what the event is, but they’re required to be available on Oct. 27.


“SSA agents have booked rooms this weekend and all next week to send an advance team to start making security sweeps of motorcade routes and any other locations that they deem are security threats,” Williams said in the memo. “We are meeting with regional and state law enforcement over the next few days to develop operational plans.”

Williams said although they don’t know why Carbondale was selected as a rally spot, the assumption is that Trump is here to campaign for Rep. Mike Bost who is in a tight re-election race.

“The President has scheduled similar visits to Granite City, Springfield, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau (Cape was cancelled but is being rescheduled for 11/3),” Williams said in the memo. “PD staff has spoken to police in those other communities and they commented that the visit was to campaign for their respective federal elected officials.”

Williams said there is also speculation Trump will announce that SIU has been awarded a BUILD grant for $14.64 million. SIU Chancellor’s office contacted the city and said they’ve heard the same speculation.

This story will be updated when new information becomes available.

Daily Egyptian campus desk can be reached at [email protected]

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