Thousands of attendees at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, faced hours-long queues and a chaotic screening process after organisers underestimated the logistics needed for the event. With around 20,000 people expected, an estimated 2,000 were still waiting to be credentialed at a horse racing track in nearby Grand Prairie just hours before proceedings began at the American Airlines Center, in temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F).

Attendees had to be screened and credentialed at the racetrack before being bussed roughly 15 minutes to the venue, a process one strategic communications adviser likened to "a TSA and Disney World experience combined." The Republican National Committee provided water, Gatorade and soda to those queuing, though drinks could not be taken into the convention itself, and organisers led crowds in patriotic songs to keep spirits up. The bus arrangement was only announced the day before the event, prompting some ticket-holders to complain online and abandon plans to attend, while heavy security including barricades, Secret Service agents and police dogs surrounded the arena.