There are only two options here: The people at the scene are either:
- Completely, totally, unretrievably, irrevocably incompetent.
- In on it.
There is no third option.
They were either sitting in their vehicles drinking coffee and eating donuts, and were not inclined to even think about getting out of their vehicle and checking it out or cordoning off the area until they were good and ready.
When they did, the only thing missing was a good stretch, and yawn. Additionally, the person with the backpack was allowed to just saunter off.
Now, it could be me, but any LEO or government agent who is NOT "Completely, totally, unretrievably, irrevocably incompetent", after being informed by a passerby that there was something that looked suspiciously like a pipe bomb at the DNC on a day like that, would absolutely, 100% say to the person:
"Okay. Thank you, sir. (gets out of vehicle immediately). Would you be kind enough to stand over here for a minute or two while I call this in. I need to ask you a couple of questions. (All done between calling in the threat) Okay folks. Let's cordon off this area while we take a look. Joe, go take a look at that thing. What? You aren't going near it? Oh, right. Sorry...so, sir. I just need to take some information. What is your name, address, and phone number. When did you notice this thing..." Or they are in on it. Which would also explain their completely uninterested, lackadaisical manner.
Definitely in on it and probably incompetent as well.
I generally support the LE community but this is dirty cops committing treason against American citizens.
Good cops hate dirty cops too. Cops are supposed to uphold the law, not break it for an agenda.