Nevada Airport Apologizes to Elizabeth Warren For Lack of Security
The Reno-Tahoe, Nevada International Airport (RNO) has apologized to Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren after she was pursued by Republican protesters in the airport terminal and multiple videos resurfaced on social media of Warren being harassed.
In a statement, officials said, "The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is about flying, jobs, emotional reunions and good byes. It’s about $3.1 billion in annual economic impact for Northern Nevada. One thing RNO is not about is politics. The video of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren being pursued by Republican protesters in the airport terminal is not a reflection of Reno-Tahoe International or our beautiful region. That scene is counter to what RNO is all about. We don’t care how anyone votes, we care that you fly safely.That’s why we developed a First Amendment/Picketing Process and Procedures Policy under NRS 614.160 back in 2016. It was intended to literally keep politics outside the airport. It sets aside free speech areas outside the terminal while protecting the safety and security of ALL passengers inside—no matter how they vote."
"The Warren protestors clearly wanted a video harassing a candidate to post on social media. They never applied for a permit. In 2018, a handful of health care protesters greeted Republican Senator Dean Heller with signs in the airport and also failed to get a permit. Heller and his staff had a very positive and long standing relationship with the airport and did not make us aware of the protesters," says the press release.
RNO also said they would better enforce the protest policy. Airport police, security and operations personnel will increase their vigilance in the coming weeks to be better prepared for the intense political season ahead, RNO said.
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