UPDATED:The story is on the UPI newswire, nowhttp://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/02/21/report_security_relaxed_at_obama_speech/8649/
( I received an answer from a front pager that I highly respect, to not delete.)
I find this terrifying...
Evidently, the Secret Service in Dallas gave an order to stop screening for weapons, an hour before Obama took the stage. This was supposedly in order to "expedite" moving the crowd.
More below...
Stop screening for weapons? In Dallas?
Several of the police officers present were very concerned, but did not feel that they could comment because the order came from a Federal agency.
The Dallas Deputy Police Chief said, " It seemed a friendly crowd.."
From another source:
"Apparently the Secret Service was overwhelmed by the size of the crowds. They had set up screenings, but by the time our group made it to the door they were already packing their equipment. I suspect the campaign encouraged them to withdraw to allow the huge volume of humanity into the hall before the speeches started. According to news reports several thousand people who arrived late were turned away as the arena was filled to capacity."
<http://dungeondiary.blogspot.com/2008/02/17000-attend-obama-rally-in-dallas.html)</p>
The Secret Service did not return calls from Dallas newspapers.
Sorry this is so brief...I have not yet been able to find more, but will update if I do.
Now...is my concern misplaced? Or is this as worrisome as I think it is...?
http://www.star-telegram.com/...