A 58-year-old man was arrested after brandishing two weapons during South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s appearance at a campaign rally for President Trump.
Maggie Seidel, a senior policy adviser to the Republican governor, told the Argus Leader that Noem’s security detail was forced into action Wednesday morning during an appearance in Bangor, Maine, after spotting someone with two firearms in the crowd. The man was identified as Peter Beitzell, and he was arrested on several charges, including felony threatening with a criminal weapon, according to Dakota News Now.
We were thrilled to have @CLewandowski_, @KristiNoem, and @TommyHicksGOP at the Bangor office today! Team #TheNorthRemembers⚔️ is energized to push POTUS across the finish line in Maine. #LeadRight #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/KgE22Kn8iA
— Cody Porter (@CodyPorterME) October 28, 2020
Police said Beitzell was harassing people at the rally and became upset after someone from Noem’s security detail approached him. Beitzell allegedly was holding a knife and a wooden baton when he approached an officer. Spokesman Ian Fury said police arrested him, and Noem finished the campaign stop without incident.
Noem recently catapulted into the spotlight due to her resistance to restrictive coronavirus lockdowns in her state, a position she has fiercely defended against persistent criticism from some media outlets.
Noem, who spoke before Trump at the July 4th celebration at Mount Rushmore, has campaigned for the president several times ahead of the general election. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski joined her at Wednesday’s stop. The governor’s scheduled appearances continue this week in New Hampshire and Maine.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Bangor Police Department but has not received a comment on the situation.
