At his first rally since a recent assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump criticized New York City and painted his Democratic opponents as a “threat to democracy” during a large event at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.

Trump, who plans to visit Springfield, Ohio, in two weeks, reiterated false claims about the Haitian population there and emphasized crime in New York, despite statistics showing a decline in violence.

He thanked law enforcement for thwarting the assassination attempt and urged supporters to reject the “lies” from Democrats and the media, ABC News has reported.

Trump also promised to restore state and local tax deductions and called on New Yorkers to support him, suggesting a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

The rally drew a crowd of thousands, showcasing Trump’s ongoing efforts to engage voters in a blue state.

Written by B.C. Begley