Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was rushed offstage at a Reno, Nevada campaign rally as a protester in the audience was involved in an extended incident near the stage.
It was not immediately clear what was occurring in the crowd, but several members of what appeared to be law enforcement or U.S. Secret Service jumped down into the area where the protester was, as could be seen on Right Side Broadcasting Network’s video livestream of the event.
Video of Trump being rushed off stage was posted online:
In the video it appears Trump pauses to look out into the crowd for the event disrupter. Two U.S. Secret Service agents can be seen rushing in to remove Trump from the stage and two other agents also facilitate his removal.
During his absence someone announced to the crowd that Trump would return. The protester was eventually seen being removed from the crowd, although there appeared to be a struggle with several law enforcement or Secret Service agents to secure the protester’s removal. It was several minutes before Trump was able to take the stage again.
Here is the man in question, in handcuffs, being searched by officers after he was escorted out of the rally area. pic.twitter.com/pjoMCtM39K
— Jacob Rascon (@KPRC2Jacob) November 6, 2016
I've spoken to six witnesses. Panic apparently sparked when someone yelled "he's got a gun". Unclear if he did. No-one I spoke to saw weapon
— Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) November 6, 2016
As Trump returned to the stage, he thanked the crowd, which cheered him back.
“Nobody said it was going to be easy for us, but we will never be stopped, never ever be stopped,” said Trump.
Trump thanked the Secret Service and said they don’t get enough credit: “They’re amazing people.”
He then returned to his speech and spoke about the defense sequester.
***UPDATE***
Donald Trump issued a statement immediately following the incident in Reno:
– NOVEMBER 05 2016 – DONALD J. TRUMP STATEMENT
“I would like to thank the United States Secret Service and the law enforcement resources in Reno and the state of Nevada for their fast and professional response. I also want to thank the many thousands of people present for their unwavering and unbelievable support. Nothing will stop us – we will make America great again!” – Donald J. Trump
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