Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will postpone their Charlotte trips, but the business mogul is still mocking his opponent for her decision.
The authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina had their hands full for almost all of last week. Since the police shooting of Keith Scott, a 43-year-old father of seven, on Tuesday, there has been protest every night.
While many have been taking to the streets to demand justice for Mr. Scott and his family, others have used the opportunity to riot, steal, and even kill.
Wednesday night, 26-year-old Justin Carr was shot and killed during protests in uptown. The violent incidents over the police-involved shooting led the city to impose a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m.
The unrest also prompted Gov. Pat McCrory to deploy North Carolina National Guard through Charlotte. Protesters, Clinton, and members of the Scott family have been demanding the release of the shooting footage to the public.
The authorities originally declined, but after Scott’s wife, Rakeyia Scott, released a video she had filmed, Charlotte police released body camera and dashboard videos showing the fatal shooting.
During an appearance on CNN, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts asked Clinton and Trump to delay their campaign trips until next week. Roberts said she understood the candidates’ decision to come to her city, but their resources should be focused on the safety and security of residents.
Late Friday, Clinton’s campaign announced that she was canceling her trip, which was set for Sunday. Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri wrote in a statement:
“After further discussion with community leaders, we have decided to postpone Sunday’s trip as not to impact the City’s resources. She will plan to visit Charlotte next Sunday, provided circumstances allow.”
Palmieri added:
“Her prayers are with the people of Charlotte during these difficult times.”
Within seconds, Trump took to social media to bash Clinton. He said the visit was dumb and incorrectly pointed out that Clinton’s initial trip was scheduled for Saturday. He tweeted:
“Crooked Hillary’s bad judgement forced her to announce that she would go to Charlotte on Saturday to grandstand. Dem pols said no way, dumb!”
On Saturday, Trump, who was mocking Clinton, announced the postponement of his visit to Charlotte. Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of North Carolina Republican Party, said:
“Trump’s visit was in preliminary stages when he spoke with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and they agreed to delay the visit.”
Woodhouse added:
“McCrory wanted to wait until things were settled and there was a cooling off period for the city and law enforcement.”
Clinton and Trump are expected to fly to Charlotte after Monday’s debate.
