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104 Potential Weapons Confiscated At Obama's Tampa Rally

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Most of the seized items were pocketknives, but there were also little cans of pepper spray.

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By MIKE WELLS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

Updated: 05/23/2008 02:48 pm

TAMPA - Authorities seized 104 potential weapons from people who came to the rally Wednesday for presidential candidate Barack Obama at the St. Pete Times Forum, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

As people arrived, they were put through metal detectors. Most of the seized items were pocketknives.

"We don't believe anything was intended to be used as a weapon," McElroy said.

The security standards resembled those at an airport and were set up by the Secret Service, she said. The Secret Service brought in Transportation Safety Administration agents from the airport to conduct the searches with their metal detectors.

Whenever there is a visit to the Forum by a high-profile person who requires Secret Service protection, similar measures are implemented, McElroy said.

Many people forget that the pocketknife they always carry or the little can of pepper spray they carry on a keychain will be confiscated at a large event, McElroy said.

However, they need to realize "it is not appropriate" to take them to an event where they will be seeing a presidential candidate, she said.

The items were turned over to police by federal agents. They will be held as found property for six months and then destroyed if not claimed by owners, McElroy said.

Owners may call police at (813) 276-3505 to inquire about identifying their property.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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