Tuesday, March 12, 2024–8:50 a.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

Saturday’s Trump rally at the Forum in Downtown Rome went off without a hitch, thanks in large part to the work of city employees.

On Monday, Rome Mayor Craig McDaniel thanked those who worked hard on the event.

“We had an opportunity to shine or we had an opportunity to fail,” he said. “I think the City of Rome and Floyd County really shined in a very bright way. Our city employees come under scrutiny from time to time. They don’t have the easiest job, but I want you [City Manager Sammy Rich] to convey to everybody who was involved in that how much I personally, and I know this commission appreciates, how well they did their job.”

McDaniel also read a statement from Assistant Rome Police Chief Rodney Bailey, commending the cooperation between local law enforcement agencies.

“I think that is where, as Rome, we get it right,” the statement read “I’ve been all over the state and other parts of the country as well where sheriff’s offices and police departments are in competition constantly. They don’t talk to each other and they don’t work together. We are just proud to work together. It was one of those events where you kind of cringe when you know it’s coming to your town, but you are also like—this is a challenge, we want to do this and we want to do this right. We want to make Rome look good. We’re used to working together and I think that’s what we do best.”

Saturday’s rally drew about 4,000 attendees.

Another 500 or so watched from the Town Green.