Reno-Tahoe Airport says "no" to Trump rally planned for private hangar

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority has informed private airport hangar tenants who were planning to host a campaign rally for President Donald Trump on Saturday that the 5,000-person gathering would be in violation of their lease agreements due to Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s directive of no gatherings in excess of 50 people and Washoe County’s recommendation to limit the number to 25 or less.

The hangar lease requires tenants to comply with all applicable state laws and directives. After reviewing the lease, the airport’s attorney found the rally would be in violation of Directive 021 from the Nevada Governor.

“This has nothing to do with politics. The letter we sent is about directives and safety and not political campaigns,” Daren Griffin, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, said. “We would hold our tenants to the same standard whether it was a Democratic or Republican rally or any other type of gathering. We are complying with the Governor’s directive and Washoe County’s recommendation during a pandemic.”

The letter also cited the terms of the lease where tenants agree not to interfere with or impede the operations of the airport. Demonstrations and counter demonstrations near the confined area of the proposed rally and its limited access and proximity to the active runways of a commercial airport were a cause of serious concern.

“Our primary mission as a commercial airport is safety,” Griffin said. “We must comply with federal and state laws, directives and regulations regardless of the political season or party.”

Letter:

Attention Hangar 9, LLC:

We have been advised that you have entered into a contract to use your
hangar for a 5,000 person rally. As you know the Governor's Directive 007,
as revised on July 17, 2020 Directive 021, prohibits public gatherings in
excess of 50 people. Your lease requires you to comply with all applicable
state laws and directives. Such a rally is a violation of this directive.
In addition, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is unable to ensure
the safety and security of its operations with a rally of such scope. Under
the terms of your lease, you agreed not to interfere with or impede the
operations of the RTAA. As well, the RTAA has been advised that protests
and counter protests will occur in connection with this rally, further
straining the ability of the RTAA to ensure the safety and security of its
operations.

Given the above, you are hereby advised that you may not proceed with
the proposed gathering.