Reporter Banned, Patted Down by Law Enforcement at Mike Pence Campaign Stop

WAUKESHA, WI — An official with Gov. Mike Pence's political campaign told the Washington Post one of the campaign volunteers "went too far" after a reporter with the paper was blocked several times from attending Wednesday night's event in Waukesha.

Pence, Donald Trump's running mate in the 2016 presidential election, spoke for about 30 minutes to an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Waukesha County Expo Center.

He was joined by Gov. Scott Walker during the appearance and told FOX 6 what the campaign's strategy is going to be in what had been known as the heart of Wisconsin's "Never Trump" territory:

FOX 6: "How will you reach out to the 'classic' conservatives in Waukesha County who, by a large margin, supported Ted Cruz in the primary? How will the Trump-Pence ticket sway those voters?”

Pence: “Well, we’re going to just go out and tell the story. Donald Trump has a stronger vision for America at home and abroad. Rebuilding our military, confronting our enemies — cutting taxes and repealing ObamaCare. I enthusiastically embrace this team and look forward to carrying that message across Wisconsin and America."

Reporter Blocked

According to the Washington Post, reporter Jose A. DelReal went to cover Pence's rally at the Waukesha County Exposition Center, but he was turned away by volunteers at a press check-in table.

Next, DelReal tried to go through the general admission line, but he was stopped again where a security guard told him he couldn't enter the building with his laptop and cellphone, the Journal Sentinel has reported.

According to the Journal Sentinel's report, When DelReal asked whether others attending the rally could enter with their cellphones, he said the official replied, "Not if they work for The Washington Post."

When DelReal returned in line, security personnel called two Waukesha County sheriff's deputies who patted down DelReal's legs and torso, seeking his phone, the reporter said.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department has told Patch it is looking into the incident and will notify Patch when it has more information.

The Post Responds

"First, press credentials for The Washington Post were revoked by Donald Trump," Baron said. "Now, law enforcement officers, in collusion with private security officials, subjected a reporter to bullying treatment that no ordinary citizen has to endure. All of this took place in a public facility no less. The harassment of an independent press isn't coming to an end. It's getting worse."