Approximately 4,387 people attended a Rally for Donald Trump today at the Lane Events Center. The event was managed peacefully without need for arrests or any use of force.
“Eugene has a long history of respectful, civil discourse,” said Police Chief Pete Kerns. “And, this is what we saw today. People with differing political beliefs expressed their views without harm to property or other people. The City of Eugene appreciates the assistance of our professional partners.”
The partners included: Lane County Sheriff's Office, Federal agencies, Eugene Springfield Fire, Eugene Emergency Management as well as mutual aid support by Oregon State Police, Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Springfield Police.
With regard to the candidate’s safety, it is the Secret Service Staff that determines the risk and security plan for the visit of any presidential candidate. As a candidate travels, each city he or she visits has a police agency that works with Secret Service to provide security buffers, escort, and methods to take the candidate to a safe place or evacuate them.
“Eugene’s plan was designed to ensure the safety of the candidate, the public, and to safeguard the constitutional rights of all people and it accomplished exactly that.” Said Chief Kerns.
The security detail does come with a significant cost because the plan and staffing are substantial. The City will have more details about costs in a few weeks, after accounting processes are completed.