Trump rally, protest in downtown cost Phoenix $450K in overtime pay

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump’s rally and the ensuing protests in downtown Phoenix cost the city more than $450,000 in overtime pay.

Two departments incurred a bulk of the overtime costs. The Phoenix Police Department paid $336,887 and the Phoenix Fire Department paid $60,483.

“It’s a standard practice to anticipate having to spend overtime for high profile events, especially one involving the president and the vice president,” city spokeswoman Julie Watters said in an email.

“While a visit from the president and vice president is very unique in regards to the services that the city provided, our obligation was to keep all members of the community safe.”

The total $454,546 overtime figure did not include staff at the Phoenix Convention Center, where the rally was held. The city said that money would be paid through the Trump campaign’s rental of the facility and other fees.

The city’s Street Transportation Department paid $49,767 in overtime.

Two other departments — water services and public works — were hit with relatively small overtime bills of $4,481 and $2,928.

Hundreds of police officers worked the area outside of the convention center in the hours leading up to, during and after Trump’s rally.

The protests began relatively peacefully, but things when a few scuffles broke out after the president wrapped up his speech.

Officers eventually used tear gas, pepper balls and other means to disperse the crowd.

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams commended her officers’ actions, but said the department would review the incident.

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