Strange move at an Obama rally

[ExCopInPhilly]

Police concerned about order to stop screening

By JACK DOUGLAS Jr. | Star-Telegram Staff Writer

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.
JACK DOUGLAS Jr., 817-390-7700


I am not sure how to take this one. This is clearly not the move of an anti-. I know a part of it could be situational, knowing where he was and the states takee on 2A, but this is still surprising.

[sluggie24]

Nah.....we couldn't get that lucky......

[PA Rifleman]

Maybe someone from Hillary's camp?

[linchpin]

I don't know how to take this guy (Obama) what does he stand for on anything. I don't know if I can trust someone that won't tell you where they sleep. eveything I see on him is so toppsy turvey WTFG

[NineseveN]

Let the pandering to the 2A crowd to seem more moderate begin!

[SteveXD]

I don't know how to take this guy (Obama) what does he stand for on anything.

Change silly He stands for change! And yes that is sarcasm

[ChamberedRound]

Nah.....we couldn't get that lucky......

I know this was just a joke, but that wouldn't be lucky at all. The last thing we need the Democrats to have is a martyr to rally their cause.

[JoeWilliams]

Maybe someone from Hillary's camp?

More likely Obama's camp. He wants the seats full before he takes the stage, and he doesn't want a bunch of news reports about how he keeps taking the stage late.

[sluggie24]

I know this was just a joke, but that wouldn't be lucky at all. The last thing we need the Democrats to have is a martyr to rally their cause.

Your right.....although it could be lucky if Hitlery was standing right in front of him......

Two birds with one stone baby.......... LOL

[SBonepa]

Change silly He stands for change! And yes that is sarcasm

Change is all that you will have left if he gets elected