Trump Cancels Campaign Appearance After Unexpected Tragedy

Former President Donald Trump had to cancel a planned campaign stop in Brooklyn, New York, due to the unexpected passing of a local restaurant owner. Trump was scheduled to visit Gottlieb’s Restaurant in South Williamsburg, a well-known Kosher establishment, but the visit was called off after the sudden death of Sholem Yosef Gottlieb, the 75-year-old owner of the restaurant, according to police sources who spoke to PIX11 News.

The community had been anticipating Trump’s visit, with posters and barricades already in place around the venue. However, the untimely passing of the long-time restaurant owner, who was widely known for his private acts of charity (chesed b’tzina), led to the cancellation. Secret Service agents had reportedly visited the restaurant earlier in the week to ensure security measures were in place for Trump’s arrival.

Moses Weiser, a friend of the Gottlieb family, told NBC New York, “It’s upsetting, the community was looking forward to seeing him over here.” A sign posted at the restaurant indicates it will be closed until September 25 as the family grieves.

Established in 1962 by Sholem Yosef’s father, a Holocaust survivor, Gottlieb’s Restaurant became a beloved fixture in South Williamsburg, known not only for its food but for its commitment to feeding those in need.

At the same time, Trump continues to lead in national polls. According to a New York Times/Siena poll released on Sunday, Trump holds 48% of likely voter support, while his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, has 47%. This mirrors the previous New York Times/Siena poll from July, conducted after President Biden withdrew from the race, which also placed Trump ahead by a single point.

Despite an increase in Democratic enthusiasm following Harris’s entry into the race, The New York Times describes Trump’s base as “remarkably resilient” amid the changing election dynamics. The poll reveals that 28% of respondents still feel they need more information about Harris’s vision for the country, while only 9% have similar reservations about Trump.

“I don’t know what Kamala’s plans are,” said Dawn Conley, a 48-year-old small-business owner from Knoxville, Tennessee, who is leaning toward Trump.

Harris is also underperforming with key Democratic voter groups such as women and Latino voters. According to the poll, 60% of voters want a significant shift from Biden’s policies, but only 25% believe Harris would provide that change, while 53% feel that Trump would.

Trump is making notable inroads with traditional Democratic voting blocs. NPR/PBS News/Marist polls show that Trump now leads Harris among independents by 49% to 46%, a significant turnaround from August when Harris led Trump by 11 points. Trump has also gained 14 points among independents and 19 points among Latino voters since the summer.