Posted on 02/22/2008 7:38:23 AM PST by COUNTrecount
DALLAS -- Security details at Barack Obama's rally Wednesday stopped screening people for weapons at the front gates more than an hour before the Democratic presidential candidate took the stage at Reunion Arena.
The order to put down the metal detectors and stop checking purses and laptop bags came as a surprise to several Dallas police officers who said they believed it was a lapse in security.
Dallas Deputy Police Chief T.W. Lawrence, head of the Police Department's homeland security and special operations divisions, said the order -- apparently made by the U.S. Secret Service -- was meant to speed up the long lines outside and fill the arena's vacant seats before Obama came on.
"Sure," said Lawrence, when asked if he was concerned by the great number of people who had gotten into the building without being checked. But, he added, the turnout of more than 17,000 people seemed to be a "friendly crowd."
The Secret Service did not return a call from the Star-Telegram seeking comment.
Doors opened to the public at 10 a.m., and for the first hour security officers scanned each person who came in and checked their belongings in a process that kept movement of the long lines at a crawl. Then, about 11 a.m., an order came down to allow the people in without being checked.
Several Dallas police officers said it worried them that the arena was packed with people who got in without even a cursory inspection.
They spoke on condition of anonymity because, they said, the order was made by federal officials who were in charge of security at the event.
"How can you not be concerned in this day and age," said one policeman.
Don’t let a Republican administration be in power when a presidential candidate is assaulted. Bush should go public and demand this never happen again.
Did the Secret Service person have a Southern Drawl, and a voice that cracked? ;)
How can anyone be this stupid?
Why is it that the first thought to enter my mind on reading this was “Clintons set the stage for another Arkancide”
...inviting disaster, WTF!
My thoughts exactly. ;-)
Whoever gave this order ought to be fired. Wow...thank the Lord nothing happened.
Is there any possibility that people in the bureaucracy above the presidential security details could have a political agenda?
The order came down FROM WHERE?????............
Upon orders from the only person fit to be commander in chief, no doubt...
This appears to be an act of desperation by someone. Who could that be?
Thank God I'm not the only one who immediately thought that!
Me too , first thought was KLINTON STRIKES AGAIN !
I swear I wouldn’t put ANYTHING past those bastards.
If Klinton looses to Obama I predict a total meltdown on her
( their ) part.
The Secret Service then suggested a parade route past the Book Depository, complete with open convertible.
I wonder if he’ll tell an assassinated Obama that “he feels his pain.”
Seriously, even if nothing happens, it is a ridiculous risk to take.
I am dumbfounded. What the hell were they thinking? Reunion Arena is a baseball throw away from the former Texas Schoolbook Depository, for Pete’s sake. I mean, WTF?
Beat ya by seven seconds, lol!
I certainly hope that Obama learns of this. He of all people should be REALLY concerned.
Our President should step up to this and have it investigated, and fully disclosed.
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