The big story over the weekend — at least the one that managed to dominate news coverage — was the epidemic of violence at Donald Trump rallies. One Trump protester in Dayton, Ohio, was rightfully arrested and charged after he broke through security and rushed the stage where Trump was speaking. Another incident, though, reportedly has police in North Carolina considering filing charges against Trump for inciting a riot.
JUST IN: North Carolina police considering filing charges against Trump for potentially inciting a riot https://t.co/gQjG8N6tXP
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 14, 2016
“Potentially inciting a riot?” Is that an actual charge? It does seems a bit sketchy, seeing as the “riot” was pretty tiny. Maybe that’s where the “potentially” comes in.
The Daily Beast reports that the story has already been debunked by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office — which then contradicted itself in a statement. Confused yet?
DEBUNKED: Despite local reports, Cumberland sheriff’s dept is NOT considering charging Trump with inciting riot. https://t.co/sTXTVOCHOC
— Andrew Kirell (@AndrewKirell) March 14, 2016
According to The Daily Beast, a spokesman for the police told a local radio station that the police “had looked at” applying the state’s riot laws against Trump, but later told the Daily Beast that the department “would have made the charges by now.” An hour later, though, a statement by the spokesman suggested the department was still weighing its options.
https://twitter.com/_chupamacabre/status/709469100913758210
Here is the full statement from the Cumberland County sheriff's office pic.twitter.com/CHVgiNyWqa
— Chris Megerian (@ChrisMegerian) March 14, 2016
Will the police charge Trump? Let’s go with a definite “maybe.”
Cumberland County Sheriff Earl R. “Moose” Butler, who’s looking at charges against Trump for “inciting a riot,” is a registered Democrat.
— Matt Viser (@mviser) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC What BULLSHIT. WHAT RIOT??????
— CliffA (@CGN40SUPPO) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC I hope they do. It will only guarantee Trump wins by landslide in remaining states. We the People are done. You can not lie anymore
— Barbara Bridwell (@BarbieKayB) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC @Jimbobbarley that's great Trump will win by a even larger margin plus will hit them with a lawsuit.?????
— Trever Talley (@trever_talley) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC They need to file charges against the MEDIA (reality show) for inciting riots across the nation w/their race/hate baiting 4 ratings.
— TakeBackOurCountry (@AngelOfTruth16) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC You do know MSNBC you are increasing Trumps popularity? He's playing your network like fools! Hey look, another black protestor! Wow
— Johniboz (@johniboz) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC How about they track down who paid the agitators, and file charges against those people?
— Tuomo Lindholm (@LindTuo) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC what a load of BS. Inciting a riot? Wow. What a joke. That guy should be charged. But Trump? Lmao @realDonaldTrump #Trump2016
— Curtis Chamberlain (@BChamby) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC They can't prove that he ''intended'' to start a riot. He will say that he told people to act in self defense. Case closed.
— Circus Politics (@CircusPolitico) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC @MelissaTweets There is slightly less than 0% chance of this being successful
— Bengiii (@Craaazzyuuh) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC No way that is gonna happen. But, some fodder for a slow news day.
— Derek Straker (@Dr_Straker) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC Please God let Trump be charged.
— Derrell Saykally (@SaykallyDerrell) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC they don't have the guts. I hope do charge him #trumpisalunatic
— Luci S. (@Medtaz165) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC it's about time #Trump face consequences for his behavior #TrumpRally
— Japeworthy (@japeworthy) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC The ball's in his court. We'll see if he's wise enough to cease and desist this hateful BS. Might have a bearing on the charges?
— James Zimmerman (@jzman299) March 14, 2016
@MSNBC if you really want a riot on your hands just try charging Trump it will backfire.
— Todd Bauer (@ToddABauer) March 14, 2016
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional tweets.
