In a developing situation [1] following the assassination attempt at Donald Trump’s Saturday rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, two Pittsburgh police motorcycle officers who were injured have been reassigned and removed from their cycle unit positions.
Sources confirmed [1] that these officers were called to assist with the Former President’s motorcade during the rally over the weekend.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding whether they obtained proper authorization from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
👀👇 https://t.co/SDOb0RyDfR [2] pic.twitter.com/k1ZMKwtcjd [3]
— Phantom Shadow (@Fuknutz) July 17, 2024 [4]
Pennsylvania State Police had reportedly requested the assistance of Pittsburgh motorcycle officers for Trump’s motorcade, which resulted in four officers being struck by shrapnel during the shooting at the rally.
The injured officers were treated at the scene, with one later receiving further medical attention at a hospital.
In the aftermath of the incident, two motorcycle unit supervisors were reassigned out of the unit. Allegations have been made regarding the authorization process for their involvement.
Concerns were also raised about their availability during First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to Pittsburgh, prompting the use of cycle units from nearby universities to assist the Pittsburgh Police.
Two Pittsburgh motorcycle cops who were assisting with security at the Trump rally and injured by shrapnel when an assassin fired on Trump were transferred away from their unit as punishment, a local Pittsburgh news station is reporting.
Sources told WPXI/11 News in Pittsburgh…
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 17, 2024 [5]
A police spokesperson cited administrative reasons for the transfer, not providing further details due to union regulations. The President of the Fraternal Order of Police criticized the decision as unnecessary given the officers’ actions at the rally.
Rumors surrounding the officers’ overtime hours have added to the ongoing debate. Police Chief Larry Scirotto’s decision to reassign the supervisors, without specifying a reason other than it being “for the good of the bureau,” has prompted questions within the department.
The reassignments have led to the supervisors being reassigned to different zones within the city, which generates uncertainty about their future.