DENVER — 20,000 people are expected to show up to Civic Center Park Friday evening, according to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont.
He's making his way to Denver along with U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, for what they're calling "The Fighting Oligarchy Tour." They'll be in Greeley Friday afternoon before making their way south.
Sanders will speak during "Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here" tour, and focus on "the takeover of the national government by billionaires and large corporations, and the country's move toward authoritarianism," according to an event spokesperson.
The big crowd lines up with March Madness crowds, prompting enhanced security measures. Attendees are also encouraged to take public transportation, ride-shares or carpool.
In a statement to Denver7, the Denver Police Department said:
"There is a safety plan for this event as part of the permitting process and the Denver Police Department will have additional resources available to respond should any safety issues arise. As with any public event, the community plays a key role in safety. DPD asks eventgoers that if they are aware of any threats, or witness anything suspicious, to report it immediately to DPD. At this time, DPD is unaware of any threats, but will continue to monitor along with city, state, and federal partners."
Set up for the free Denver event begins at 7 a.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. and speakers start at 5 p.m. It's anticipated to last an hour and a half and attendees can RSVP. Bags, signs and guns are not allowed.
"Every Democrat needs to be out and engaging with people across the country about what’s at stake and what we can do to fight back, that includes showing up in communities and having conversations with people who might not always agree with you," U.S. Representative Brittany Petterson, D-District 7, said in a statement to Denver7. "The proposed Republican budget cuts would decimate Colorado’s health care system and support for our schools - all to fund more tax breaks for billionaires – we need all hands on deck.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee sent Denver7 the following statement on the event:
"Coloradans won’t be fooled by this pathetic, fake political theater put on by out-of-touch Democrats hell-bent on pushing their radical far-left agenda."
In response to the event, a spokesperson for Colorado Congressman Gabe Evans, R-District 8, sent Denver7 this statement:
“Democrats may not know what their brand is right now, but Congressman Gabe Evans knows his. Gabe Evans is fighting for lower costs, safer communities, and making the American Dream possible for all Coloradans. His commonsense approach stands in stark contrast to AOC and Bernie Sanders’ radical, out-of-touch rhetoric.”
A spokesperson for Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, R- District 4, said:
“If Democrats want to bring a couple of avowed socialists to Weld County to talk about their Green New Deal scams that will crush Colorado oil & gas jobs, I say go for it. The contrast between them and Republicans like Gabe Evans who will stand up for energy producers, law enforcement officers, and small business owners couldn’t be clearer and it’s why Gabe is going to win again in 2026.”
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