We have the latest now on former President Donald Trump’s rally set for this Friday in Johnstown.
Questions about safety measures are already being raised about a month and a half after the attempted assassination on Trump in Butler
Reporter Brock Owens has more
Pennsylvania State Police, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the Cambria County SERT Team. Multiple area EMA teams and Johnstown Police and Fire will all be helping with security during Friday’s Donald Trump rally in Johnstown.
“Anytime that we have a dignitary come in, especially of this caliber, there’s a lot of preparation work that is done. We’ve had meetings with various federal agencies, state agencies, local agencies. We’re prepared. There’s a lot of force multipliers that go into this so we had a lot of dialogue with many agencies.”
That does include the Secret Service officials say.
“We’re supporting the secret service with 12 JPD officers and our primary mission is to control traffic and to assist with the arrival of the motorcade.”
The streets around First Summit Arena will be shut down throughout Friday.
“Napolean Street is going to be shut down from 8 a.m. from route 56 to Somerset Street outside of tech park. We’re going to have a closing on Market Street from Napolean Street to School Place, and Stoneycreek Street from Napolean Street to School Place.”
Johnstown Fire Department will also assist with traffic and during the rally according to Fire Chief Bob Statler.
“The crowd size in the war memorial we’re dealing with some fire safety issues that we’ll watch. Also working with secret service for safe areas and any decontamination that would need done.”
Officials say they expect about six thousand people at the rally. But do not know how many others will be in Johnstown Friday.
Police suggest avoiding Downtown Johnstown if you are not going to the rally and do not have to go through the area as the City Manager reminds of another detour already in place.
“Bedford Street on ramp to route 56 is closed so with the road blocks that may be in place on Friday people need to be mindful of that and seek alternative routes”