Phoenix leaders deny petition to block city spending on more Trump events

PHOENIX — Phoenix councilmembers denied a citizen petition Wednesday that would have blocked the city from spending money on further visits by President Donald Trump.

The petition from local activist Viridiana Hernandez asked Phoenix to create a resolution, ordinance or other measure to prevent city money, buildings or staffing from being used on any future visits the president may make.

It cited the chaotic protest surrounding Trump’s August campaign rally — during which police used tear gas and pepper balls to disperse crowds in the downtown area — as the primary reason for the request.

The petition also cited the more than $560,000 the city ponied up for overtime costs as a reason it should not reach into its pockets for a Trump event again.

Staffers wrote that “The city of Phoenix has a responsibility to provide security and a police presence for the community and dignitaries up to and including the president of the United States.”

The council responded well before the 15-day deadline to act.

A related petition, one that would bar the Phoenix Police Department from using chemical agents for crowd control, was also denied.

City staffers said that petition would have limited officers to using “foam impact projectiles, hard impact tools (batons) or stun equipment (like Tasers)” and only dealt with one protester at a time.

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