Donald Trump supporters get early start at Nassau Coliseum

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Donald Trump's supporters started packing the Nassau Coliseum parking lot just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday in advance of the former president's scheduled rally later in the evening.

The doors opened at 3 p.m. and Trump is not expected until at least 7 p.m.

Security is extraordinarily tight for Trump's first rally since Sunday's second assassination attempt . Measures were both seen and unseen , including visible sharpshooters and bomb-sniffing dogs, helicopters overhead, and undercover operatives in the crowd.

• Read more : Suspect in apparent Trump assassination attempt hit with two gun charges

Police said earlier reports on social media of explosives being found at the site were false. They said one person, who may have been training a bomb-detection dog near the site, was detained and is being questioned.

Trump supporters out in force

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder unlocked the gate at the coliseum himself, signaling the start of an event he vowed would be the safest place in the country .

First on line was Virginia Ciccotto of Massapequa park who overnighted outside the coliseum.

"He had everything right, we were doing great and now this country is falling apart. Everything is scary. It's dangerous," Ciccotto said.

Hundreds of people in red Make America Great Again caps waving flags poured in, reflecting belief New York state can be flipped.

"It's a great possibility because, President Trump, we know what we had with his first four years," one person said.

"People see the man delivers and with inflation, immigration, everything seems like it's upside down," another said.

"He's a wonderful guy. He has done so much for our country," said Matt Kay, of Brooklyn. "A lot of bad things have happened these last four years and Kamala is not the answer. It's Donald Trump."

Protests expected

Trump was invited by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in part to bolster Republican congressional candidates in races that will help determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

"A lot of people are saying Trump is not good for Nassau, he's this, he's that. Look at these people. This is what we need again," one person said.

"We need him back. Look at the prices of gas and food and everything skyrocketing," one person said.

Reflecting the divisions in the country, large protests were expected just outside the gates of coliseum later Wednesday.

"Donald Trump, you know, he puts on a good show. Unfortunately, he puts on a crummy presidency," one man said. "So I think that's what we have to remind voters of. We're out here to remind voters that Donald Trump is really no good for Nassau County, no good for the state of New York state, and certainly no good for the United States of America."

Haitians gathered to blast the pet-eating rumors spread by Trump.

"We are calling on Haitians to stand up and vote versus Trump," Assemblyman Philip Ramos said.

Democratic leaders said Trump's visit means less time campaigning in swing states.

"New York is solidly blue, so I think it's a fantasy they're going to change the electoral vote," state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said.

"Now [Trump] says he is for SALT deduction, but he is the author and pusher of this initiative to take away this tax relief," Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.

Items prohibited at the rally

If you are making your way to the coliseum, here's a list of things you cannot bring into the lot.

• Aerosols
• Alcoholic beverages
• Appliances
• Backpacks, bags, roller bags, suitcases, and bags exceeding size restrictions (12" by 14" by 5")
• Balloons
• Balls
• Banners, signs, and placards
• Chairs
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• E-Cigarettes
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Firearms
• Glass, thermal, and metal containers
• Laser lights and laser pointers
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, bull horns, whistles, and drums
• Packages
• Poles, sticks, and selfie sticks
• Spray containers
• Structures
• Supports for signs/placards
• Tripods
• Umbrellas
• Weapons
• Any other item that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners