Trump supporters faced an unexpected setback when their cars were towed from a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot during a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident highlighted the risks of relying on unofficial approvals in public spaces.
The rally, held on Wednesday, saw parking space become a premium commodity. Some attendees parked their vehicles in a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts lot, claiming they had received permission from the manager. Others parked based on second-hand information, while some were explicitly told not to use the lot.
Despite the assurances, the parking lot displayed clear signs warning non-customers about potential towing. As a result, many rally-goers found their cars missing when they returned, according to WBTV reports.
Even if some had verbal approval from the on-site manager, the manager of a franchise typically doesn’t own the property or make final decisions on its use. The authority over parking arrangements lies with the property owner or the franchisee, who might have different priorities and responsibilities.
The towing company, Gotcha Towing, charged $380 for the release of each towed vehicle, leaving many Trump supporters frustrated and financially burdened. The situation sparked conspiracy theories among some attendees, consistent with the current political climate surrounding the former president.
This incident underscores the importance of understanding property rights and obtaining clear, authoritative permission before using private lots, especially during large public events. It also reflects a broader tendency among some Trump supporters to rely on informal or ambiguous assurances, sometimes leading to unexpected consequences.
