Attendees discuss security measures at Kamala Harris rally in Fayetteville

[ad_1]

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Vice President Kamala Harris made her seventh visit to the Tar Heel State this year while attending a campaign event in Fayetteville Thursday afternoon.

Organizers said about 700 people in attendance filled the Westover High School Gene Arrington Gymnasium. The rally comes about three weeks after President Joe Biden’s at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Myles Pitts, who was recently accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, joined several others eager to hear from the Vice President.

“I’m just hoping to hear what I’ve always been wanting to hear—that they have our best interests in mind,” said Pitts.

Pitts said he hoped to hear a promise on gun control, especially following the recent violence that broke out at a campaign event for former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Pitts said, “It’s very shocking to me that somebody could even get that close to the former president. I think it’s a massive demonstration of how guns have gotten so out of control in this country.”

As a teen, Pitts said he’s become more aware of gun violence including shootings in schools. He said, “For this event, I feel a bit more safe since it did happen. I think security is a little more on lock, I guess you could say. I’m not as concerned, but I do think it’s a prevalent issue.”

Pitts and others pointed to the several agencies working together at the event to provide extra security. Officers could be seen outside the building working with K9s to patrol the area. The Secret Service helped control access to the parking lot area, while others ensured people attending also passed through airport-like security including screenings before entering the gymnasium.

“We noticed the security has definitely stepped up this time at this event,” said Greg Steiner, who traveled with his wife, Sharon, from Harnett County. The married couple said they recently attended a few other politician events. Steiner said, “Previously, when we saw President Biden’s wife last week in Wilmington, the security was present, but not miles out.”

“I’m in the army, so I know there’s a ton of planning that goes into these things,” Steiner said. “I think they’re taking all the prudent measures they can and still keeping it realistic. I mean, we had to walk half a mile just to get in here.”

At one point, law enforcement and members of Secret Service focused their attention on a drone flying in the area. Due to a temporary flight restriction, officers said they handled the situation.

Guests were also told to leave certain items behind including liquids, aerosols, outside posters and signs, umbrellas, vape pens, lights, knives, firearms, and other hazardous items.

At 2:50 p.m., Harris departed from Pope Army Airfield to Washington, D.C.

Al Lampkins, who spent 31 years in the military, said he came to hear from Harris to see what policies the new administration would focus on. He said he was shocked to hear what happened in Pennsylvania, but also felt reassured people attending to hear from the vice president had nothing to worry about.

“Safety is number one when we do anything in our community, but when you think about where you’re standing at right now, close to the biggest military installation here in the United States, it’s not a concern,” Lampkins said. “We’re close to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is the nucleus of this community here.”

Lampkins continued, “Whenever there is a risk, there is some heightened level of concern, so there is that elevated level of security.”

[ad_2]

Mariah Ellis

Source link