On Saturday, a local bus driver in California’s Coachella Valley reported being assaulted by stranded supporters of former President Donald Trump while transporting attendees to and from his rally.
The rally took place at Calhoun Ranch, an outdoor venue in Coachella, with an estimated attendance of 15,000 people. To ensure the smooth transportation of attendees, an anonymous driver was hired by Coach USA, an LA-based company, to transport them to and from the event using buses.
Local drivers were initially hired to operate buses from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. They were informed that there would be no more attendees needing transportation from the parking lot to the venue after 2 p.m. However, this rule was not enforced, resulting in a continuously growing crowd.
According to the driver, the situation initially seemed calm and orderly. However, as time went on, things took a turn for the worse. People began to push, shove, and even throw objects.
The driver explained to KESQ, “The crowd became overwhelming, even for law enforcement. Attendees were exhausted and overheated, likely lacking food. These various factors contributed to the frustrating chaos.”
After the rally concluded, participants began to realize that the bus count was gradually decreasing, leaving them stranded at the venue.
According to a video posted on social media, Wesley Johnson, an attendee, expressed frustration over the reduced number of buses available for transportation.
He mentioned that while there used to be around 20 buses, there are now only three. Johnson described the situation as chaotic, with all the attendees feeling stranded at the location.
As the driver made his way back to the venue to pick up more passengers, he vividly described the chaotic behavior of the crowd.
He highlighted how the event’s transportation arrangements had contributed to the traffic congestion, with vehicles moving in the same direction.
During the journey, he recalled hearing the sound of a woman falling at the rear of the bus, prompting him to immediately investigate and ensure her safety.
“I believe that my military training played a crucial role in helping me regain my composure and ensure the safety of everyone involved. As an Army Veteran, I was able to quickly assess the situation and take the necessary steps to prevent further harm,” shared the driver.
