WHILE SCHOLARS FRET IN THE NEW YORK TIMES ABOUT THE THREAT OF A TRUMP PRESIDENCY TO THE RULE OF LAW, WE HAVE THIS HAPPENING:
Among the supporters taunting the protesters was the woman who would eventually be cornered by the angry mob. Pinned against the doors of the Marriott hotel next to the convention center, she became the focal point of the crowd’s anger. Protesters hurled obscenities, spit on her, and ultimately began egging her.
Although hotel staff eventually rescued her, police never stepped in — a decision that clearly emboldened protesters, who took to the streets, marching, burning flags, and chanting “Fuck Trump!” . . .
In at least two instances Trump supporters engaged with protesters, chanting “Donald Trump” and walking directly into the thickest, angriest portions of the protests. But things quickly spiraled, and rallygoers simply trying to get back to their cars were chased down and beaten — often at the feet of San Jose Police, who stood by motionless.
Police were present at the gathering, but took a hands-off approach to the crowd. In some cases, officers stood nearby as fighting and violence broke out.
A police source told BuzzFeed News that officers were under orders to not break ranks.
When seconds count, police are only seconds away — standing there watching you get assaulted. And whose fault is it? Trump’s of course!
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, a Clinton supporter, praised the police response in an AP interview, saying “we are still holding our breath to see the outcome of this dangerous and explosive situation.” Liccardo also criticized Trump.
“At some point Donald Trump needs to take responsibility for the irresponsible behavior of his campaign,” Liccardo said on the phone with the AP.