SALT LAKE CITY — At least 20,000 people attended a rally held by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Sunday in Salt Lake City.
They filled all 15,000 seats in the Jon M. Huntsman Center, plus 1,000 people on the floor and 4,000 people outside in the "overflow," according to a spokesperson for Sanders' team.
“We’re just overflow and happy to be here,” said Capri Bailey, an event attendee.
Watch Sanders' full speech below:
With quite the turnout at the University of Utah, those lining up at the doors were directed to the overflow area around 5 p.m.
“We’re very excited to see people so committed and excited to this fighting oligarchy tour,” said Matty Jackson, a co-chair of the Salt Lake Democratic Socialists of America.
Utahns came together to hear Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Caroline Gleich and others speak at the event.
Watch Ocasio-Cortez's full speech below:
“The turnout is fantastic. Who would’ve thought? An hour ago, they told us that the center was full already and we couldn’t even get in, so we’re waiting outside with thousands of other people,” said Stacy McNichol.
Bailey said she has attended rallies recently, but Sunday's felt different.
“I’m going to get emotional about this, but it means a lot to know that all of these people [are] together to pull together and to be as one,” said Bailey.
McNichol was also proud to be a part of the "overflow" crowd at the Huntsman Center.
“Crowded, but we like that in this situation. It’s crowded, but everybody is happy to be here and fighting for one cause. It tells you something about Salt Lake City,” said McNichol.
Attendees said it was all about coming together and standing for what they believe in.
“I’m really excited to see so many people that are generally interested in hearing something different. This is really inspiring to me, and [I] hope to have a lot of conversations today,” said Jackson.
