City's Public Safety Director Praises Police Response To Trump Protests
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh's new Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich says he's pleased with how law enforcement handled Wednesday night's protests outside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center during Donald Trump's campaign visit.
"Having this big of an event, and very few arrests, and no damage, per say, I think it was a success," Hissrich said.
There were three demonstrators arrested during the large downtown protests. Four police officers were also slightly injured when they were pepper sprayed by a protestor.
Some of the demonstrators could be heard cursing at the officers as police tried to separate the two sides and allow Trump supporters access to the Convention Center.
"For the police officers to stand there [Wednesday night], and take the language directed at them by the protestors is just unbelievable," Hissrich said.
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Hissrich also revealed that the city had an alternate plan, if necessary, had the demonstrations degenerated into violence.
He said, "Police were strapped, but we had help from our neighboring departments, and we had contingency plans in the event we ran out of police in Pittsburgh to answer calls."
City officials, Hissrich explained, will now look at videos, photographs and the public safety response plan to see if any revisions need to be made in dealing with future demonstrations.
