Authorities arrested two suspects Tuesday night on suspicion of assaulting a police officer near Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign rally.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told the Daily Caller that the incident occurred shortly before Harris was to address a crowd at the Ellipse Park in Washington, D.C., where the rally was being held.
Police arrested Norma Burdick and Moses Lopez after Burdick “attempted to cross police lines” near the gathering, police said.
A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said, “The individual ignored the police officer’s orders.” “When the officer tried to take the woman away, the woman began assaulting the officer.”
According to police, the second male suspect approached the officers from behind and assaulted them.
“Both individuals were arrested without further incident and charged with assault on a police officer. The arresting officer was not injured,” police continued.
It was unclear whether the suspects were protesters, Harris supporters or involved in the campaign.
Police Chief Pamela Smith thanked law enforcement officers for managing the crowd at the police station. statement Posted on Twitter. According to multiple reports, the Harris campaign claimed the event drew more than 75,000 spectators.
Statement from Secretary Pamela A. Smith pic.twitter.com/Js79NB4kJ0
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) October 30, 2024
“I would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Department and our local and federal partners for ensuring a safe and secure environment,” Smith wrote. “While two individuals chose to ignore legal orders and were arrested, the majority are fully cooperating and enjoying our city peacefully.”
The rally at the Ellipse, just a few blocks from the White House, served as the vice president’s “closing address” to voters before Election Day.
Harris prompted Asking attendees to “turn the page” on former President Donald Trump, she called him “another vile tyrant” in an apparent allusion to King George III.
“We know who Donald Trump is,” Harris told the Ellipse crowd. “He is the same man who stood in this very spot almost four years ago and sent an armed mob into the Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election, an election they knew they would lose.”
