Posted on 05/31/2016 6:15:48 AM PDT by HypatiaTaught
(CNN) At least four people at a Bernie Sanders rally in Oakland rushed the stage Monday evening, spurring Secret Service agents to jump onto the raised platform and protect him.
The Democratic presidential candidate was uninjured and continued speaking, but not before several agents hugged him and pushed him away from the microphone. The identities of the individuals, who yelled as they approached the stage, were not immediately known. They were apprehended and led away by Secret Service from the podium at the Frank Ogawa Plaza, where the rally was being held.
After the events of Monday night in Northern California, Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs said, "It was handled professionally by the Secret Service."
An animal rights group, Direct Action Everywhere, claimed responsibility for the disruption in a press release.
"Activists do not protest at Bernie Sanders rallies in opposition to Sanders himself, but rather to pull Sanders in their direction," the group's press release said. "Sanders' opponent Hillary Clinton recently released a campaign platform on animal issues, although it stops far short of what activists would like to see. Activists expect Bernie Sanders, the progressive candidate, to support more radical action to provide animals not just with improved conditions but with legal rights to be free from harm."
The Vermont senator began receiving Secret Service protection in early February during the early part of the presidential primary season, in his challenge to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
It's not the first time in the 2016 campaign season that Secret Service have jumped on stage when commotion broke out around a protectee. In March a protestor jumped a barricade and tried to get on stage at a Donald Trump rally in Vandalia, Ohio, prompting Secret Service to react similarly by hopping on stage to shield the candidate.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Unlike Donald who turned and it looked like he was ready to duke it out with his attack from behind on stage. Bernie simply got a hug from the Secret Service.
And how the Sam Hill was it supposed to accomplish that, rushing the stage? Or were they literally going to pull him? Bizarre.
Animal rights group?
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal
than others”
I was super impressed at the SS guard whom I watched closely for an hour or two at the Trump rally. He was hyper vigilant and focused.
“Activists do not protest at Bernie Sanders rallies in opposition to Sanders himself, but rather to pull Sanders in their direction”
And how the Sam Hill was it supposed to accomplish that, rushing the stage? Or were they literally going to pull him? Bizarre.
Remember when Black Lives Matter ladies took away Bernie’s mike?
I kinda feel sorry for Bernie.
If I have to watch a commercial to see the video it ain’t happening.
Even Bernie is not radical enough for those lunatics.
I was super impressed when the NBC coverage focused on one of the “protesters” getting a beat down by a secret service agent with a baton.
Old man and socialist Bernie Sanders had just yelled at the crowd, You People Get Off Your Grass! ;-)
.... and whisked him to a Safe Space where soothing music, blankets, and crayons were available.
Bernie's Press Secretary seemed very triggered by the microaggression.
Security feeling the bern? Bless his heart bern looked so confused.
Check their paychecks for Hellary’s signature.
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