x
Breaking News
More () »

VP Kamala Harris holds campaign rally in Detroit

The rally is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and is the Harris-Walz campaign's third stop on a blitz of key battleground states.

DETROIT — Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz held a rally Wednesday evening at a Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport hangar while on a campaign trail blitz of key battleground states, the day after the current vice president announced the Minnesota governor as the second half of the Democratic presidential ticket.

RELATED: Harris introduces new running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the 'vice president America deserves'

The rally was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Signature Aviation Hangar, which sits on the east side of the airport, according to the Harris campaign. According to the Associated Press, the crowd included an estimated 15,000 people.

It was Harris and Walz's third rally since she selected him, preceded by their joint debut on Tuesday in Philadelphia and an earlier appearance Wednesday in fellow battleground state Wisconsin.

8:20 p.m.

Harris ended her rally by saying "the power is with the people," asking voters if they are ready to make their voices heard.

"Do we believe in freedom? Do we believe in opportunity? Do we believe in the promise of America? And are we ready to fight for it?" Harris asked. "And when we fight, we win."

8:15 p.m.

Harris tells rallygoers that when Congress passes a bill protecting reproductive freedoms, she will sign it into law.

The crowd has chanted "we're not going back" multiple times throughout Harris' speech.

Harris says the promise of America is what makes it possible for her and Walz - two people from middle-class upbringings - to be on the stage.

"Only in America is it possible for them together to make it all the way to the White House," she said.

Credit: WTOL 11

8:03 p.m.

Harris references her time as a prosecutor, having dealt with criminals her whole career.

"I know Donald Trump's type," she said.

7:59 p.m.

Harris says it was her honor to be endorsed by the United Auto Workers before chants of "UAW."

She briefly paused to call for a medic for an individual in the crowd. Multiple speakers have paused to ask for medics throughout the evening for people in the crowd.

7:54 p.m.

Harris is introduced to the stage by her running mate Walz. Chants of "Kamala" rang out through the crowd.

Credit: WTOL 11

7:37 p.m.

Harris' vice presidential pick Tim Walz takes the stage in Detroit saying "wow" as the crowd is heard cheering loudly for him.

Walz says he's been told this is the largest rally of the campaign.

Walz spent time blasting Trump, saying crime was up during his presidency, "not including the crimes he committed."

He also spent time talking about reproductive rights, IVF, gun violence and college debt. Walz said Trump "would ban abortion across the country, no questions asked."

Credit: WTOL 11

7:15 p.m.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was next to take the stage inside the hangar.

Credit: WTOL 11

7:00 p.m.

Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who announced she would not seek reelection, was next on stage after Fain. She said this is Harris' fifth visit to Michigan in 2024.

"This election we have two stark choices ... Harris and Walz ... smart, dedicated public servants where all our rights and freedoms are protected," Stabenow said. "On the other hand Trump and Vance ... who want to give tax breaks to their ultra-rich buddies."

Elissa Slotkin was next to speak after Stabenow. She looks to fill the senate seat left by Stabenow.

"I'm going to work my heart out to make sure I'm passing the torch to Elissa Slotkin," Stabenow said.

6:44 p.m.

Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers, took the stage saying, "It's a question we've made famous with the labor movement: Which side are you on?" Fain called Harris and Walz "the dynamic duo for our democracy."

Fain also called Trump a scab and Vance a vulture. Chants of "he's a scab" were chanted by UAW members in the crowd. Fain accused Trump of not caring about the working class and said he doesn't know anything about the auto industry.

Credit: WTOL 11

6:32 p.m.

Harris and Walz exit Air Force Two and into the motorcade.

Credit: WTOL 11

6:25 p.m.

Air Force Two arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport hangar.

Credit: WTOL 11

5:50 p.m.

Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. of Michigan's 6th congressional district also spoke to rallygoers. Loud chants of "Debbie" lasted for around 30 seconds before she began speaking. Dingell shouted out UAW workers in the crowd.

5:30 p.m.

On a stand facing the opened hangar doors, a large crowd of people filled the hangar shoulder to shoulder. More people were seen just outside the hangar doors as well.

Credit: WTOL 11

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan's 13th congressional district spoke to the crowd, saying Detroit does not support Donald Trump and about how the Biden administration lowered insulin costs.

4 p.m.

Crowds are gathering at the holding area, waiting to be shuttled to the venue. Some in the crowd are carrying handmade signs with Harris and Walz's names in block letters, choosing to show their support before official campaign signs become available. Supporters are gathered hours ahead of the anticipated 7 p.m. start time.    

Credit: WTOL 11/Andrew Bailey
Supporters wait more than three hours before the start of the Harris/Walz campaign rally in Detroit.

Stay with WTOL 11 all day for coverage of the Harris-Walz campaign stop in Detroit. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for live updates and more.

RELATED: I went to a Trump rally. Here's what I experienced

Want more from WTOL 11 News?

➡️ Download the WTOL 11 weather app for the latest local 10-day forecast and live radar!

➡️ Download the WTOL 11 news app for Apple here or get it in the Google store here.

➡️ Get a fresh start to your morning and wrap up your day with the latest news and your WTOL 11 Weather forecast delivered right to your inbox! 

WTOL 11's Your Morning Blast and Your Evening Blast deliver stories from northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond to keep you informed. Click here to get on the list!

➡️ Looking for the lowest current local gas prices? Check out the WTOL 11 gas price tracker, powered by Gas Buddy, here.

➡️ Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on-demand content from WTOL 11+. Our free WTOL 11+ apps are available on Roku and Fire TV.

WTOL 11+ features the latest breaking news and weather, plus daily talk shows, coverage of your favorite sports teams from Locked On, fact-checking from VERIFY and the latest trending stories

Before You Leave, Check This Out