Donald Trump rally on Long Island draws huge crowd

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - More than 10,000 people were expected at a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Long Island on Wednesday. Trump invoked the heroism of New York police officers and firefighters during the 9/11 terror attacks, the AP reported.

The real estate mogul is coming off a loss to challenger Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the Wisconsin primary. He took swipes at Cruz as well Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The rally started at 7 p.m. at the Grumman Studios in Bethpage. Outside, police in riot gear and mounted officers kept watch over crowds of supporters and protesters.

Free tickets to the campaign event were available on Trump's website.

Nassau County Police closed South Oyster Bay Road between Brumman Rd. West and 107 starting at 2 p.m.

The rally is taking place two weeks before the New York primary election on April 19.