Talking by phone just before he attended a rally designed to goad San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo (a Hillary Clinton supporter) and Police Chief Edgardo Garcia “to accept” responsibility for failing to protect Trump supporters, Hernandez described what it was like to leave the Trump rally with a friend. The police presence had dissipated. He saw protesters pick out supporters and sucker punch them. Then he spied six or seven men.
“As soon as I locked eyes with them, I knew we were next.” Hernandez determined to protect himself by making sure he did not fall down; then the mob would start kicking him.
“They allowed the police to just stand there,” said Hernandez. The chief says police were right to maintain the “skirmish line.” The mayor issued a statement promising authorities will investigate and prosecute offenders. Liccardo assured me city officials are “looking for ways to do better.” Hernandez says that detectives have shown him photos of suspects; he believes they’re serious about arresting and prosecuting violent protesters. Police already have arrested four offenders. The San Jose Police Department is soliciting more information from witnesses. Liccardo told me he expects more arrests shortly.
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