Video posted online shows Valerie Biancaniello of Delaware County being escorted out of an early voting center.
In a video posted online, Republican State Committeewoman and Delegate to the Republican National Convention Valerie Biancaniello was seen being escorted out of a Delaware County early voting center in handcuffs.
In the video, which was amplified online by RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, Mrs. Biancaniello could be seen telling voters to ‘not get out of line’ while voters in line could be heard expressing various opinions on the arrest. The unidentified man who shot the video could be heard arguing with another voter over whether or not Biancaniello was trying to influence voters in line.
In a statement of her own, claimed that she was merely encouraging people to not get out of line at the early voting location. She alleges that Delaware County election workers were encouraging voters to get out of line to head to a satellite office that was allegedly out of mail-in ballot applications.
The Trump campaign put out a statement alleging Mrs. Biancaniello’s arrest was an act of voter suppression.
“This is voter suppression. Election officials in Pennsylvania must IMMEDIATELY ensure every voice is heard and every legal vote is counted; election officials must ensure a fair, free and transparent election,” read the statement, before concluding, “President Trump’s supporters should not be intimidated or turned away at the polls.”
Asked for a comment by the Delaware Valley Journal’s Linda Stein Ryan Herlinger, a spokesperson for Delaware County released the following statement:
“On Monday, October 28, 2024, an incident occurred at the Voter Service Center located at the Government Center Building in Media, PA, resulting in the arrest and removal of a woman who, according to multiple eyewitnesses, was disruptive, belligerent, and attempting to influence voters waiting in line. Her behavior prompted several complaints from those in line. Delaware County Park Police—who provide security for the Government Center Building—were on-site and responded promptly to the disturbance.”