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.
They weren’t. Dems know exactly what this would gain them and how long they can live off it.
I’m sure it would be ruled a suicide.
Those were my thoughts exactly!
That only applies to the President and Vice President. A senator/candidate under protection can refuse it at any time and they can also refuse to follow SS directives.
"A senator/candidate under protection can refuse it at any time and they can also refuse to follow SS directives."
I don't see where they're authorized to protect senators. The protection can be declined by a major candidate, but those candidates are not in charge of security arrangements.
I went to a Romney rally and people poured into the hangar with no evident inspection. I did not SEE anything that would be screening for weapons. I was wondering.
Obama should not even HAVE Secret Service at this point. Can anyone clarify?
Not according to the secret service web site. He’s not entitled to them until he gets the nomination. Hillary is a spouse of a former president so she gets them.
Calm down, nobody said anything about pecan pies... 8~)
Prayers for his family and colleagues....
I wonder if the order was phoned in from the Clinton campaign headquarters.
"Or both," reported the New York Times...
That does seem like an obvious question, doesn't it?
Exactly - or for that matter
The motorcade enters the turn by the Texas School Book Depository. Mrs. Connally smiles at the President and states, “You can’t say that Dallas isn’t friendly to you today.” The President’s reply is cut short by the brutal sound of gunfire.
Dallas Motorcycle Officer Killed in Clinton Motorcade
Officer crashed during escort
Posted: February 22nd, 2008 12:51 PM PDT
AP Photo/The Morning News, Irwin Thompson
Rescue workers attend to an injured Dallas Police Department motorcycle officer after a accident while escorting Hillary Rodham Clinton.
By SCHUYLER DIXON
Associated Press Writer
DALLAS —
A police motorcycle officer died after a crash while escorting Hillary Rodham Clinton’s motorcade to a campaign rally.
“We are just heartsick at this loss of life in the line of duty,” a subdued Clinton said in a statement to reporters after the rally. Clinton cut short her next appearance in Fort Worth, Texas, so she could visit the officer’s family.
The officer died after apparently crashing into a concrete barrier along a viaduct near downtown Dallas. Aerial video showed wreckage scattered for several yards and emergency medical technicians laboring to treat the officer.
Dallas police spokesman Sgt. Gil Cerda said he had no details on the crash, which happened shortly after 9 a.m.
The New York senator and Democratic presidential candidate also said she planned to contact the police chief to express her sympathy.
“It is important that we respect and appreciate their service,” she said. “I certainly am grateful for all they do for me.”
After the wreck, the victim was taken to nearby Methodist Medical Center, where Police Chief David Kunkle was seen arriving shortly afterward.
The name of the officer was not released.
In August 2006, an Albuquerque, N.M., police officer in President Bush’s motorcade died in a motorcycle crash. Germaine Casey, 40, died on Aug. 27 when he crashed as Bush returned to the airport after a fundraiser for Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.
In November 2006, Honolulu police Officer Steve Favela died when he and two other motorcycle officers crashed while part of a presidential motorcade.
Officer.com
It is odd...
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