In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold a campaign rally in the Bronx, taking on the Democrats and setting his sights on turning the traditionally blue state of New York red in the upcoming November elections. The rally, which will be held on Thursday, is seen as a bold attempt to challenge the Democratic stronghold and make a significant political statement.

The campaign rally is scheduled to take place at Crotona Park, a 127-acre public park located just blocks away from the boundary line of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's district. Trump's campaign has obtained a permit to accommodate up to 3,500 attendees at the event, aiming to rally his supporters and gain momentum in the state.

This announcement follows Trump's record-breaking rally in New Jersey last week, which drew an estimated 100,000 supporters. It will mark Trump's first rally in New York since his 2016 event in Buffalo.

The Trump campaign wasted no time in taking jabs at President Joe Biden's record, particularly in relation to crime and inflation. The campaign argued that New York City and the state have experienced significant surges in violent crime due to Biden's and Democrats' policies. They pointed out that murders in the city have risen by 23.1% since 2019, while felony assault has increased by 35.4%, calling these figures "incomprehensible and devastating."

Furthermore, the campaign emphasized Trump's connection to New York, a state he once called home before permanently relocating to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Despite ongoing legal cases, including his "hush money" case and defamation case with E Jean Carroll, Trump's campaign asserted that he still holds a fondness for the Empire State and aims to ease financial pressures on households while restoring law and order.

The announcement of the rally has elicited mixed responses. Democratic Representative Ritchie John Torres, who represents the district where the rally is set to take place, strongly criticized Trump, stating that "The South Bronx has no greater enemy than Donald Trump." Torres argued that the area's predominantly Democratic residents would not be swayed by Trump's promises.

While some business owners in the Bronx expressed being unaware of the upcoming rally, Liz Adreu, a manager at Chocobar Cortes restaurant, indicated that she would "probably" vote for Trump. Reggie O, the owner of Aduanipa African & Caribbean Grill, voiced support for Trump's policies during his presidency and suggested that there is a real chance the state could be flipped in the future. He also mentioned that his newly opened eatery has not been affected by crime.

Trump's campaign also highlighted the impact of inflation, noting the strain it is placing on businesses and families. They cited a 17.5% increase in prices since Biden took office, emphasizing the suffering of New York families due to high inflation on everyday goods.

With Trump's rally in the Bronx, he aims to make a significant political statement, challenging the deep blue status of New York. While the response has been mixed, this event will certainly draw attention as the former president seeks to gain support and turn the tide in the overwhelmingly Democratic state.