Trump tells security not to hurt rally protesters, jokes he does it for 'legal reasons'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During an appearance supporting Rep Mike Lawler, President Donald Trump joked that he tells security personnel not to harm protesters “for legal reasons” after his rally in Rockland County, New York, was interrupted multiple times by hecklers.

The interruptions occurred as Trump was addressing supporters at the event, and security escorted demonstrators quickly from the crowd. Trump commented in real time from the stage about how quickly the disruptions were handled.

Trump jokes about security response after second disruption

Trump reflected on past rallies, saying protesters once regularly interrupted his speeches before such disruptions became less frequent over time.

“Whatever happened to that guy? That’s so quick!” Trump exclaimed as one heckler was presumably removed by security.

“I don’t know. I tell people, ‘Please don’t do it, it’s dangerous. To do it in this crowd is not a good thing. You don’t want to do it in Trump crowds. I had very little.”

He later added that disrupting a rally crowd was “sort of dangerous,” noting that similar incidents were more common during the early months of his political rise.

“Do you remember, originally, I used to have a lot of that. You know, the first couple of months, I’d have people screaming, and they learned it’s just not a good thing to do. It’s not good. It’s sort of dangerous,” Trump said with a chuckle.

He continued, “And, of course, I like things that aren’t dangerous. I don’t like to see people get whacked. I don’t like it. So don’t do it. But we used to have it all the time. My first month or two, oh, boy! Guys would start screaming, ‘We hate you,’ and then all of a sudden, it got less and less. Now it never happens. That’s the first time it’s happened in a long time. That’s the first time it’s happened in a long time,” Trump repeated.

Trump’s remarks also revived attention surrounding comments he made about protesters during his 2016 presidential campaign, when clashes and disruptions at rallies frequently became national headlines.

Thomas Massie becomes topic of humour

Later in the event, a second disturbance broke out in the crowd while Trump was discussing the media and criticizing Rep Thomas Massie. 

Trump spoke about the “fake news” and “horrible” Rep Thomas Massie (R-KY), before noticing a second scuffle in the crowd.

“So, we have another little disturbance back there. Hello. Hello, everybody. That’s okay. It’s already cleared up. What are you doing back there to these people?” Trump quipped.

"Boy, does that get cleared up fast! The guy raises his hand, starts screaming something, and within about two seconds, it’s over. What happened to him? Don’t hurt him! Don’t hurt him! Don’t hurt him — I do that for legal reasons!” Trump exclaimed.

“That’s what I can say. That’s a great thing to say. Do not hurt him under any circumstances! And now I can say I’m innocent!”

The president then delivered the line that quickly spread online and across cable news clips.

The crowd reacted with laughter as Trump continued speaking.