President Trump tweeted video Saturday night of his supporters surrounding a Biden-Harris campaign bus with the comment, "I LOVE TEXAS!"
Why it matters: Democratic officials and witnesses said the pro-Trump vehicles attempted to "force" the Biden-Harris campaign bus "off the road," per the New York Times.
These tactics have no place in Texas, my home state, and no place in America.
— Dr. Eric Cervini (@ericcervini) October 31, 2020
Please vote. Please volunteer this weekend. The future of our democracy is at stake. pic.twitter.com/G0O4yg2vnJ
- The incident comes amid heightened concerns of Election Day and post-election violence, which has prompted officials in some cities and states to take unprecedented measures to prepare.
Driving the news: Videos of the incident show several trucks bearing Trump flags and signs surround the bus as it headed from San Antonio to Austin on Interstate 35, per NYT.
- "These Trump supporters, many of whom were armed, surrounded the bus on the interstate and attempted to drive it off the road," tweeted historian Eric Cervini, who said he traveled to Texas to help with the Biden-Harris campaign. The vehicles "ended up hitting a staffer’s car," Cervini added.
- Trump supporters also "followed the Biden bus throughout central Texas to intimidate Biden supporters," Travis County Democratic Party Chair Katie Naranjo said in a Twitter post. "They ran into a person's car, yelling curse words and threats. Don't let bullies win, vote."
- After being notified, local law enforcement assisted the bus, carrying campaign staffers, to its destination, the NYT reported.
- Two scheduled campaign events were canceled out of "an abundance of caution" following the incidents, the Times notes.
What they're saying: Biden campaign spokesperson Symone Sanders tweeted in response to Trump 's tweet, "What the President tweeted in regards to Texas is reckless, dangerous and an intimidation tactic. It’s not something we should come to accept from our leaders. The people of our great country have the opportunity to turn the corner here. VOTE. HIM. OUT."
- Texas GOP Chair Allen West issued a statement before Trump's tweet saying that the president's had been targeted in other states.
- "Where is the liberal corporate media’s concern about that real violence? Additionally, none of what your question implies is accurate," West said, in reference to a reporter's request for comment on the incident.
- The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Today, @realDonaldTrump supporters followed the Biden bus throughout central Texas to intimidate Biden supporters. They ran into a person's car, yelling curse words and threats. Don't let bullies win, vote. pic.twitter.com/CIyEWwbvqU
— Katie Naranjo (@KatieNaranjo) October 30, 2020
Go deeper: Cities brace for Election Day chaos
