Thousands gathered at Fountain Park Saturday morning to cheer on their hero and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

People waited in a line that extended across the north side of the park and back into the center along Saguaro Boulevard. They passed through metal detectors and were subject to a search by TSA personnel before entering the area designated for those with tickets.

After they got in the wait was another two hours in the warm Arizona sun before Trump arrived just before 12:30 p.m. Several people wilted in the heat and were seen being helped out of the crowd to receive medical treatment.

Protesters blocking Shea Boulevard near the Beeline Highway delayed Trump’s arrival while police cleared the road. Three people were arrested according to Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was with the motorcade and introduced Trump once the program began.

Trump’s speech lasted about 30 minutes and focused on immigration, the economy, military strength and debt.

“Our country is not winning anymore,” Trump said. “I will have us winning again all the time.

“I will not let you down.”

See full coverage of Trump’s visit in the Wednesday, March 23 edition of The Times.