Why Trump Was Rushed Off Stage In False Gun Fright
Donald Trump was bundled off stage by Secret Service following a false gun fright during a campaign in Nevada on Saturday.
But no weapon was found as the Secret Service, which provides security for presidential candidates, said someone in the crowd had shouted “gun.”
The Republican nominee quickly resumed his speech in Reno, and local media reported that a suspect who was wrestled to the floor during the incident had been released.
He reappeared to cheers, declaring: “Nobody said it was going to be easy for us, but we will never be stopped, never ever be stopped.
“I want to thank the Secret Service. These guys are fantastic. They don’t get enough credit. They don’t get enough credit. They are amazing people.”
Before the fracas, the 70-year-old Trump could be seen shielding his eyes from the lights in order to peer into the crowd as a struggle broke out.
Signs of a fracas in the audience
“Mr. Trump was removed from the stage by his Secret Service protective detail after a commotion occurred in the crowd,” the Secret Service said.
“Immediately in front of the stage, an unidentified individual shouted ‘gun’. Secret Service agents and Reno Police Officers immediately apprehended the subject.
“Upon a thorough search of the subject and the surrounding area, no weapon was found,” the statement continued.
“A thorough investigation is ongoing at this time by the US Secret Service and the Reno Police Department.”
Television footage showed a suspect pinioned on the ground by officers and searched, before he was led away by local law enforcement, including an armed response team in tactical dress with rifles.
Back to normal
The candidate appeared unrattled and spoke with his usual self-confidence, finishing his planned remarks and accepting applause before returning to his plane safely.
In a campaign statement, the White House hopeful thanked the Secret Service “and the law enforcement resources in Reno and the state of Nevada for their fast and professional response.”
This is the second time that Trump has been bundled off stage by security during the long and sometime tense campaign, and his events are often disrupted by protesters.
