A man identified as Stephen A. Weiss, 36, from Pittsburgh, was arrested last week at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Weiss was reportedly trying to hang a banner in protest of Trump’s policies. The Johnstown Police Chief, Richard Pritchard, announced that misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and disrupting a public meeting have been filed against Weiss.
Weiss allegedly faked a foot injury and concealed a tube of glue in a metal crutch to carry out his plan. Authorities were unable to determine the message on the banner as it was discarded by arena staff.
According to the arrest affidavit, Weiss ran onto the arena floor, jumped onto the media stage, and began shouting towards the main stage where Trump was speaking. When police tried to apprehend him, Weiss reportedly refused to release himself from the steel barricade fencing, requiring force to be used.
Weiss was accompanied by another man at the rally, who claimed to be unaware of Weiss’s plan and was not charged. Following his arrest, Weiss was questioned by the Secret Service and later released. His court hearing is scheduled for October 9.
Read More News:
- Four Killed in CTA Blue Line Shooting: Suspect in Custody
- Felon Gets Seven-Year Sentence for Displaying Handgun on CTA Red Line but Won’t Serve Time
The incident occurred shortly after Trump criticized major media outlets for unfavorable coverage during the rally. As Weiss was escorted away, Trump remarked to the crowd, “Is there anywhere that’s more fun to be than a Trump rally?”
For more details, visit NBC News.
