NEW YORK — Thousands of people flocked from the New York area and other parts of the country Madison Square Garden Sunday afternoon in New York former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally.

The NYPD said it has drones, robots and a helicopter in the area, as well as counterterrorism units outside, monitoring the situation to keep everyone safe.

With just nine days until Election Day, a new poll from CBS News shows the two presidential candidates neck and neck. Vice President Kamala Harris Among likely voters, it’s 50% and Trump is at 49%. In battleground states, both are polling at 50%.

The focus of the relevant campaigns was on issues such as immigration, the war between Israel and Hamas, and crime.

Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk and Melania Trump spoke

Sunday’s rally marked a departure from battleground states for Trump. When Trump entered the arena, there was applause, a standing ovation, and the crowd began chanting. Every seat, from the ground to the highest parts, appeared to be occupied.

In his speech, Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris a “train wreck” and said electing her would be “gambling with the lives of millions.”

Vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance and his billionaire supporter were among those on stage before the former president spoke. Elon Musk.

Surprisingly, Melania Trump also came on stage and introduced her husband. It was her first public political speech this campaign and the first time this cycle she introduced her husband at an event. Mrs. Trump has largely stayed away from campaigning this year, making only a handful of appearances with her husband throughout Trump’s third presidential run.

Other speakers included Robert F. Kennedy Jr.former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, TV star Dr. Phil McGraw, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr. and Staten Island activist Scott LoBaido.

“President Trump grew up here. He’s a New Yorker,” Giuliani said. “That’s why people get a little angry with him. He speaks his mind.”

Trump supporters enjoy former president’s appearance

The former president is from Queens. CBS News New York met with supporters from its own borough, as well as others from Chicago and the New York area.

“I love him and he is the best. I want the economy to improve,” one woman said.

“There’s an influx of immigrants, there’s illegal immigrants. Our economy… just go to the grocery store,” a Dutchess County man added.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was one of several Long Island representatives who arrived at the Garden in the Trump motorcade.

New York City Council Member Inna said, “Look around you. It’s incredible. We’re in New York City, you know, it’s liberal…one of the most liberal cities in the country, and it’s amazing.” Vernikov said.

Rude language during introductions

Before Trump took the stage, his speeches contained vulgar language. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, referred to as Kill Tony, stated that he made a crude joke referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” and made other offensive jokes about Blacks and Latinos.

Trump’s frequent radio host Sid Rosenberg called Hillary Clinton the “sick son of the EU” and referred to immigrants as “fucking illegals.”

Trump’s childhood friend David Rem called Harris the “Antichrist.”

Business owner Grant Cardone said Harris “and her pimp handlers will destroy the country.”

contributed to this report.

Lisa Rozner

Lisa Rozner joined CBS News New York in 2017. It covers a wide range of stories.