Trudeau dons protective vest as security concern delays Toronto-area rally
Posted October 12, 2019 6:15 pm.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau wore a protective vest and was surrounded by heavy security during a large rally in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga on Saturday due to an unspecific security threat.
More than 2,000 Liberal supporters turned out for the crowded rally, which was delayed by 90 minutes before Trudeau took the stage wearing a suit jacket rather than his usual rolled-up sleeves and escorted by both his plainclothes RCMP detail and Mounties in tactical gear.
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is surrounded by tactical police as he arrives for a rally in Mississauga, Ontario. The rally was delayed for 90 minutes due to a security issue. #cdnpoli #elxn43 pic.twitter.com/gUZeBXGSt0
— Frank Gunn (@frankgunnphoto) October 12, 2019
Photos later confirmed Trudeau was wearing a bulky protective vest under his jacket while the RCMP officers remained on stage during the address and near his side as he shook hands afterward.
Prepared remarks also indicated his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, was to introduce the Liberal leader. However, she did not appear despite having flown with Trudeau from Vancouver earlier in the day.
The Liberal campaign would not officially comment on the delay or reasons for the increased security presence, but one source confirmed to The Canadian Press there was a security threat.
The Peel Regional Police referred questions to the RCMP, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
