Hundreds of Jeeps parade across MS Coast to support President Trump, photos show

Hundreds of people in Jeeps paraded through downtown Bay St. Louis and down U.S. 90 on Saturday morning to support President Donald Trump.

The “Jeepers for Trump” event began on South Beach Boulevard. The Jeeps were expected to turn onto the beach highway and drive across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ending in Ocean Springs.

The Jeeps were filled with people and displayed flags supporting Trump. Jeeps also flew American flags, police flags, and the former Mississippi state flag with the Confederate emblem.

About a dozen spectators watched from the sidewalk and took photos and video with their phones. Many wore “Make America Great Again” clothing or were holding Trump flags.

A man selling Trump-related flags near the corner of Court Street and South Beach Boulevard had sold out of flags.

At least 100 Jeeps participated in the event, many of the vehicles filled with people.

Outdoor gatherings in Mississippi are currently limited to 20 people, according to an order from Gov. Tate Reeves. Use of masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible. Most of the participants and spectators seen at the event in Bay St. Louis were not wearing masks.

The White House Coronavirus Task Force released a report this week outlining measures that would help curb the spread of COVID-19 in Mississippi, including limiting hours and capacity at restaurants and bars. Mississippi had the fifth-highest rate of new COVID-19 cases in the country, the report said.

Justin Mitchell

Sun Herald

228-604-0705

Justin Mitchell is the Sun Herald senior news editor and works on McClatchy’s audience engagement and development team. He also reports on LGBTQ issues in the Deep South, particularly focusing on Mississippi.