He also discussed illegal immigration and said some family members of Rachel Morin, a mother of five who was allegedly killed by Victor Martinez Hernandez — who was living in the country illegally — while hiking in Maryland last year, were in the rally audience.
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“She wanted to be in good shape and she ended up getting murdered,” Trump said, adding that he had just spoken to Maureen’s mother.
“And a lot of Rachel’s family is here. I have to say they’re incredible people,” he said, “They’ve been through hell.”
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Trump also said he was “very honored” to join eight family members of service members killed in Biden’s “disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan” at the rally.
“They are all looking down at this moment and they are so proud of you, the parents, the sisters and brothers. There are so many of them here,” he told the families.
Pennsylvania Senate candidate David McCormick also appeared on stage during the rally, having been endorsed by Trump two months earlier.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump addressed conservative and faith voters at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority conference in Washington, DC.
“The federal government will never be used to target Americans of faith,” Trump said at the event, citing crackdowns on gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He received the loudest applause when he spoke on illegal immigration and vowed to launch “the largest deportation campaign in American history” on the first day of his term.
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Supporters began gathering at the Liacouras Center even before Trump arrived in Philadelphia, waving American flags, Trump apparel and carrying “Make America Great Again” signs.
On his way to the rally, Trump stopped at local Philadelphia sandwich shop Tony & Nick’s Steaks to greet customers and employees.
Former New Jersey Senate candidate Mike Crispi said on XTV that Trump left a $500 tip for employees on his sandwiches, and reiterated that he would eliminate taxes on tips if elected.