Security hustles Trump from stage after protester displays sign

Monday, 7 November 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Republican Donald Trump was rushed off stage by security agents at a rally in Reno, Nevada, on Saturday night after a false alarm as someone in the crowd shouted “gun” during scuffles with a man who held up a ‘Republicans against Trump’ sign.

The incident occurred as Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton crisscrossed the United States in a late push to win over undecided voters and make sure supporters turn out enthusiastically on Election Day.

Two security agents seized Trump by the shoulders and hustled him backstage as police officers swarmed over a man in the front of the crowd and held him down and searched him before escorting him away with his hands behind his back.

Trump, seemingly unruffled, returned to the stage and continued his speech after a short time saying, “Nobody said it was going to be easy for us,” and adding, “We will never be stopped.”

After being released, the man who was apprehended told CBS News Reno affiliate KTVN-2 that he was a Republican supporter who attended the rally to express his opposition to Trump.

“I came here with this sign expecting boos ... But it was just a sign,” Austyn Crites said. Crites said when he took it out the crowd began to attack him, choking and beating him before, “someone yelled about a gun”.

After being held for a few hours of questioning and security and background checks, Crites said he was released, and that the police “did their job.”

The Secret Service confirmed that the incident erupted when an unidentified individual in front of the stage 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 Secret Service said in a statement.

The incident began when Trump noticed what he considered a heckler. Seconds later, people near the stage began pointing at someone in the crowd near the front and agents took Trump away.

In a statement, Trump thanked the Secret Service, Reno and Nevada law enforcement for “their fast and professional response”.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.