Open Carry at a Trump Rally
by digby
This could really go sideways:
Authorities are preparing for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh Wednesday, bracing for major traffic congestion and protests.
Trump will first stop at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall for a one-hour taping with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that’s scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.
Following the show taping, Trump will hold a rally at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at 7 p.m., according to his website.
Law enforcement sources told Target 11’s Rick Earle that police obtained intelligence that there could be large-scale protests at both locations at which Trump is scheduled to appear.
Sources also said plainclothes Pittsburgh police officers have been told to bring their uniforms to work with them Wednesday in case they are needed to help with crowd control.
Target 11 has also learned that Allegheny County police will be assisting city police with the security efforts.
In anticipation of the increased traffic in Oakland, Dr. Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement and chief of staff at the University of Pittsburgh, sent an email to faculty and staff Tuesday night. Her email warned about a group that has expressed intentions to openly carry firearms in a demonstration of its commitment to the Second Amendment.
The full email can be read below:
“Dear University Community,
“Tomorrow, we expect a great deal of outside traffic around campus related to the appearance of a presidential candidate at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. We have been told to expect that there will be, in particular, individuals coming to campus to express their viewpoints and to exercise their civil rights. We have been informed that there may be a group openly carrying firearms in a demonstration of their commitment to the Second Amendment. Pennsylvania law allows open carry on public property. We expect that these demonstrators, if present, will abide by the law and remain off private property, which includes University of Pittsburgh campus areas.
“Because of traffic and parking restrictions, particularly in the vicinity of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, and the likely influx of citizens wishing to be a part of this event, the ordinary progress of business on our campus may slow for a few hours. Please accommodate students, staff and faculty who encounter difficulty getting to class and other activities in a timely manner. We have been informed that the entrance and exit to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall parking garage will intermittently close for short periods of time after 5 p.m. Please plan accordingly.
“We are confident that all of our community will act in accordance with the law and exercise mutual respect and a concern for others.
“Thank you. “
Among those protesting is Democratic Pennsylvanian U.S. Senate candidate and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman. He’s holding a formal anti-Trump rally on the Roberto Clemente Bridge from 4 to 7 p.m., encouraging his supporters to “protest Trump’s disgraceful and un-American stance on immigration and human rights in this country.”
Let’s hope this stays peaceful.
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