Investigation into officer who coerced journalists dropped, police say officer ‘followed the law’

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) – The investigation into a Lancaster City officer who was seen pushing a journalist to the ground at a Trump rally has been closed with investigators saying the officer “followed the law.”

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Police report that one person at the rally was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police and while he was being transported to a police vehicle, a crowd of people began following the officer and the detainee.

While attempting to make space in the crowd, officers reported that one officer “pushed the crowd back,” which “caused one person to fall to the ground.” The investigation determined that the officer followed the law in accordance with Lancaster County Bureau training, policies and procedures.

Police further state that the officer acted within his rights to prevent the crowd from disrupting the arrest and that the officer’s actions served to calm a situation that “could quickly escalate.”

The Lancaster City Police Department stated the following regarding the matter:

Every City of Lancaster Police Officer is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone during public gatherings. It is important that everyone, including media personnel, remains aware of their surroundings in dynamic situations where security conditions can change quickly. Collaboration between all parties is critical to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.