WATCH: Man storms press gallery after Trump bashes media as 'enemy of the people' at Pennsylvania rally
JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: Chaos erupted at a Donald Trump rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Friday, August 30, when a man from the crowd stormed the press gallery shortly after the former president launched into one of his trademark tirades against the media.
The event, hosted by the far-right activist group Moms for Liberty, quickly descended into turmoil as police intervened to subdue the attacker, as reported by Mediaite.
The incident occurred moments after Trump criticized media outlets during his speech, a common theme in his rallies.
At Trump rally in Johnstown, PA: Someone in the audience jumped over the barricade to the press pen and latched onto the riser where the TV cameras are. The man was taken down and taken away by police. pic.twitter.com/eW2YMUW5g8
— Kristen Eskow (@KristenEskow) August 30, 2024
Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally erupts in chaos as man storms press gallery
The unidentified man jumped over a bicycle rack that had been set up as a barrier and rushed towards the press area.
He began to climb the riser where television crews were stationed, causing panic among the journalists present.
Police quickly surrounded the man, and after a brief struggle, they deployed a taser to subdue him before leading him away in handcuffs.
Trump, seemingly unfazed by the disruption, made light of the incident. As the man was carried off by police, Trump quipped to the crowd, "Is there anywhere that’s more fun to be than a Trump rally?"
His comments were met with cheers from the audience, who appeared to share in the former president's disdain for the press.
Journalist Timothy Burke captured the chaotic scene on video, later posting it to YouTube.
The footage shows Trump speaking on stage while, in the background, the man can be seen being subdued by police officers. "That’s okay. No, he’s on our side. We get a little, uh, itchy, don’t we? Huh, okay. No, no. He’s on our side," Trump remarked during the scuffle.
During his speech, Trump focused much of his ire on CNN, accusing the network of "fawning' over Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent interview.
His comments were typical of the meandering style that has come to define his rallies, where he often blends attacks on political opponents with grievances about media coverage.
During Friday's rally, Trump once again labeled the press as "fake news" and "the enemy of the people," rhetoric that has become a staple of his public speeches.
Shortly after this incident, another man in the crowd was also handcuffed and escorted out by police. The reasons for his removal remain unclear, and authorities have yet to provide further details.
Storming incident at Donald Trump's rally sparks reactions online
As news of the storming incident spread, social media platforms lit up with reactions.
One person remarked, "Trump has the dumbest followers." Another said, "I blame trump's violent rhetoric."
"Trump’s babbling inspires violent response," wrote one person. Another added, "Donnie, this is what happens when you constantly attack the press."
One individual wrote, "We call them dangerous wackos. Trump calls them political prisoners." Another pointed out, "Maga is nothing but feral idiots."
One netizen remarked, "The angry old right-wingers are trying to convince themselves this wasn't another deranged MAGA like all the other ones were." Another added, "Trump the one hit wonder mesmerizes the mentally ill nutters."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
