A man was arrested at a recent rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. The individual, identified as a 36-year-old from Pittsburgh, had attempted to hang a banner to protest Trump's policies, according to Johnstown's police chief.
Authorities have filed misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest against the man. The police chief mentioned that the content of the banner was unknown as arena staff had reportedly discarded it. The banner was described as being made from a bed sheet, and the man allegedly expressed his opposition to Trump's policies.
During the incident, the man pretended to have a foot injury and concealed a tube of glue in a metal crutch. He was apprehended after running onto the arena floor, jumping onto the media stage, and shouting towards the main stage where President Trump was speaking. The man refused to release himself from steel barricade fencing, leading to the use of force by authorities.
It was noted that a companion of the man was unaware of his plan and was not charged. The arrested individual also faces a charge of disrupting a public meeting. Following questioning by the Secret Service, he was released with a court hearing scheduled for October 9.
The disruption occurred shortly after Trump criticized major media outlets for their coverage. The incident took place amidst heightened security measures at Trump rallies, following a previous incident where the candidate was fired upon during an outdoor rally in July.
