Barring COVID-19 outbreak, Tulsa gets through potentially explosive weekend – Tulsa World

The coronavirus effects wont be known for weeks or longer, but to this point, it appears Tulsa made it through what could have been a difficult few days with only a few minor scratches.

And maybe better in some ways than before.

Many feared the combination of recent civil unrest in other cities, President Donald Trump restarting his reelection campaign here after months on hiatus and opposition to Trump would coalesce into violence, destruction and a fresh COVID-19 outbreak.

Its too soon to know about a potential COVID-19 surge tied to Trumps rally. Perhaps the smaller-than-expected attendance lessened the risk.

On the other hand, there were several outdoor events over the weekend. Some participants wore masks and were careful to keep a distance. Some did not.

But a rampage from antifa on the far left, or the Proud Boys and the boogaloo boys on the far right, not to mention freelance rioters, looters and general nogoodniks, did not occur.

There was no rioting or looting. By all accounts, the damage consisted of some shouting and maybe a little chest bumping, a couple of macings and fewer than 10 arrests, mostly for obstructing traffic.

Trump allies and opponents alike demonstrated restraint. There were some tense moments Saturday on Boulder Avenue when protesters blocked the street and came into contact with law enforcement and Trump supporters, but the most serious charge seemed to involve a protester allegedly kicking a police officer.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews said Sunday afternoon he was pleased that the citys Black community stayed focused on our message and what Juneteenth is about, which is voting.

Many Tulsans, and especially Black Tulsans, were angered when it was announced Trump intended to restart his campaign in Tulsa on Juneteenth June 19 while the city is dealing with a rise in COVID-19 cases and some racial issues.

The scheduling was seen as an intentional slight, although Trump has said he had never heard of Juneteenth, and his event was pushed back a day.

Many people who might have otherwise been circling Trumps rally at the BOK Center instead attended a hastily organized Juneteenth festival in the Greenwood District. A Saturday night block party at the same time as the Trump rally seems to have been particularly popular.

I am just glad we didnt see the violence that some anticipated, Matthews said.

He was also glad the weekend was just about over.

The president had his chance to talk, Matthews said. Other people had the chance to express themselves, and it all happened without throwing gasoline on the flames of division.

Matthews was asked if the weekend constituted a victory of sorts.

Theres no victory until we have equity, he said. Im excited no one was harmed. But there is no victory ... until Black lives matter like everyone elses.

Nehemiah Frank, one of the Juneteenth organizers, said he was very pleased with the way things worked out.

Without a doubt, he said. For sure. The president tried to say protesters keep people away, but there werent enough protesters to keep anyone away.

Frank said people did not want to risk their health, and the country is changing.

Late Saturday night and Sunday, some Facebook accounts claimed thousands of Trump supporters were locked out of the half-full BOK Center an hour before the rallys scheduled start.

That seems at odds with independent observations and the known facts, however. Arena management could not be reached Sunday afternoon.

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter makes a sleeping gesture, in response to Joe Biden's nickname "Sleepy Joe", while listening to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter records video on his phone while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters wave at President Donald Trump's motorcade as it leaves Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter cheers while listening to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters wave at President Donald Trump's motorcade as it leaves Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Members of law enforcement watch President Donald Trump's motorcade arrive at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter talks to his son during President Donald Trump's rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter talks to his son during President Donald Trump's rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A child sits on the ground while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters wave at President Donald Trump's motorcade as it leaves Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter holds a campaign sign while waiting for President Donald Trump to speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Sarah Stitt talks to her husband, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, during President Donald Trump's rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence waves to supporters before speaking at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter holds up a campaign sign President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter records video on his phone while holding a baby while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe talks to media while waiting for President Donald Trump at Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence claps while approaching the podium before speaking at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter holds up a campaign sign President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter listens while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Members of law enforcement watch President Donald Trump's motorcade arrive at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A child lays is held by his father during President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump approaches the podium during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters listen to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump reacts to supporters during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence claps while approaching the podium before speaking at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while listening to President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump claps while supporters cheer during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Signs sit on the ground while President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while listening President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence gives a thumbs up to the crowd after speaking at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter records on her phone while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A man and his dog listen to President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while listening President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Vice President Mike Pence gives a thumbs up to the crowd after speaking at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while listening President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

A supporter cheers while listening to Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while listening President Donald Trump speak during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford records a live video while Air Force One prepares to takeoff from Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Supporters cheer while Vice President Mike Pence speak at President Donald Trump's campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump pumps his fist while supporters cheer during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump pumps his fist while supporters cheer during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign rally at The BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday, June 20, 2020.IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa on Saturday. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World

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Barring COVID-19 outbreak, Tulsa gets through potentially explosive weekend - Tulsa World

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