Thousands turn out for Elizabeth Warren at her first Brooklyn rally

January 8, 2020 Paul Frangipane

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren spoke to a crowd of about 3,000 people at the Kings Theatre on Flatbush Avenue. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

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The Kings Theatre’s 3,000 seats were filled to capacity Tuesday night as Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren took the stage, less than a month away from the first Democratic presidential primary election.

Warren, who has raised more Brooklyn dollars from individual donors than any other candidate, was greeted by an overflow crowd at her first Brooklyn rally. Joined by former presidential candidate Julián Castro, who endorsed her on Monday, she shared her personal story, spoke about Iran and was received by Brooklynites who said they’re turning out because of her style and her substance.

“She’s always seemed like she’s been a person for the people,” said Kevin Williams of Bedford-Stuyvesant. “So when I found out that she was going to be here today, I made sure that I dropped everything and came.”

When Kevin Williams of Bedford-Stuyvesant found out about the rally, he dropped everything and made sure he would attend. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

The Massachusetts senator started the night on a serious tone, addressing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

“We have to start on a very sober note,” she said, informing the crowd that within the last hour, the Iranian government had launched missiles at U.S. military bases in Iraq after the U.S. assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani. “This is a reminder why we need to deescalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran.”

A voice from the crowd cut her off with a sharp, “We love you!”

Castro announced on Monday that he would be endorsing Warren for president. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

“She’s a tough cookie, she’s smart, she goes after big money, she’s looking out for us,” said East New York resident Carroll Matos, 53, who supported Warren at her September rally in Washington Square Park. “From day one, I’ve been a supporter.”

For Jacqueline Polonko of Park Slope, it was her first time seeing Warren on the big stage. “I’m a very busy person, so she came to Brooklyn and it got me out,” Polonko said.

Warren had brought in more funds from individual campaign contributions of any other presidential candidate in Brooklyn as of Dec. 31, according to Federal Election Commission data. As of Dec. 31, she has raised almost $442,000 from individual donors in the borough.

The crowd repeatedly jumped out of their chairs to cheer along during Warren's speech. — The crowd repeatedly jumped out of their chairs to cheer along during Warren’s speech. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

Democratic candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders raised fewer dollars but saw more individual contributions in Brooklyn, where he was born.

Before entering the theater, Warren delivered an impromptu speech to an overflow crowd in the rain.

She spent her time inside talking about her personal story and upbringing that brought her from public school teacher to the first female senator of Massachusetts, and how it all brought her to the policies on which she runs today.

It was Park Slope resident Jacqueline Polonko's first time seeing Warren. “I love Elizabeth Warren, I think she is exquisitely qualified for this position," Polonko said. — Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

It was Park Slope resident Jacqueline Polonko’s first time seeing Warren. “I love Elizabeth Warren, I think she is exquisitely qualified for this position,” Polonko said.