Baltimore Mayor Young says Pence, Trump flouted his order limiting gatherings due to coronavirus
BALTIMORE — Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said Thursday that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence openly disregarded his executive order — designed to minimize the spread of the coronavirus — by appearing at Fort McHenry before more than 25 guests.
Pence accepted the Republican nomination to seek a second term Wednesday in an outdoor space at the historic fort. Trump paid a surprise visit to support his running mate during the Baltimore portion of the third night of the Republican National Convention.
“It is the height of hypocrisy for this self-proclaimed law-and-order president and vice president to flout my lawful executive order, dated Aug. 7, 2020, intended to keep our residents safe during what continues to be a raging pandemic that they have politicized and failed to control,” Young, a Democrat, said in a statement.
About 100 invited guests sat in folding chairs positioned roughly 3 feet apart. Audience members had their temperatures taken on the way in, but few wore masks. After the program ended, people surged toward the stage to greet Trump, Pence and their wives.
