Following a rally by former President Donald Trump in Tucson, Arizona, on September 12th, several attendees were hospitalized after experiencing symptoms of an unexplained illness. The event, held in temperatures exceeding 100°F, drew a crowd of over 2,000 supporters. Symptoms reported by those affected included eye irritation, swelling of the face, and itching, with the strange condition being referred to by some as a “floating illness.”
The symptoms primarily impacted individuals on the stage’s right side, while those positioned on the left appeared unaffected. Mayra Rodriguez, a notable Trump supporter and former Planned Parenthood director, reported severe eye discomfort and partial vision impairment, prompting her to seek medical care. Some attendees speculated that they might have been exposed to mace or another aerosol.
Although there were no known threats before the rally, Secret Service officials have been involved in the investigation, working alongside the Trump campaign team to identify the source of the illness. Attendees expressed concern about whether the incident might have been deliberate.
Despite the incident, Trump continued to focus on campaign promises during his speech, such as eliminating taxes on tips for service workers, a pledge that Vice President Kamala Harris, who was in Tucson the same night for a private event, quickly echoed.
Arizona remains a crucial battleground state, with recent polling data showing a tight race between Trump and Harris, both at 46%. In the Senate race, many conservatives hope that Kari Lake’s candidacy will drive voter turnout for the upcoming election.
As the investigation into the mysterious illness progresses, organizers and supporters are eager for answers, with health and safety concerns taking precedence in the aftermath of the event.
