Report: VP Mike dj walkout at Indian polis Colts NFL game costly to taxpayers bankatwa

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, stand during the playing of the national anthem as the Indianapolis Colts played the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 8, 2017.

Michael Conroy, AP

Vice President Mike Pence's visit to an Indianapolis Colts game last season was a brief one. 

After several members of the San Francisco 49ers knelt during the national anthem, Pence and his delegation immediately left the stadium -- and left taxpayers on the hook for the tab. 

A report published Saturday by the Huffington Post cites newly released documents from the Department of Homeland Security that estimate the cost of Pence's visit -- including hotel, travel and additional security measures -- of at least $325,000. 

All so Pence could not watch an NFL game.

The documents, according to Huffington Post, also indicate the vice president's early departure was premeditated.

Pence, the former governor of Indiana, said he planned the trip well in advance because of a pregame tribute to former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. However, he said he left before kickoff because he was offended by the Niners players kneeling during the anthem.

"I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag or our National Anthem," he tweeted.

In addition to the cost of Pence's flight on Air Force Two, additional security measures were ordered in conjunction with the vice president's visit, including the construction of temporary walkways in downtown Indianapolis.

However, the dates on the newly released (and as the Huffington Post notes, heavily redacted) documents indicate the walkways were ordered the Friday before the game. And a lodging agreement with the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport was signed three days earlier.

Pence's staff also informed reporters before the game that the vice president "may depart the game early."

The additional Secret Service expenses totaled $75,000, the Huffington Post reported. Last year, The Washington Post estimated the cost of the flight on Air Force Two was roughly $250,000. Those figures don't include the cost of local law enforcement and emergency services that were required because of Pence's visit.

Published 4:12 PM EDT Oct 7, 2018

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Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, stand during the playing of the national anthem as the Indianapolis Colts played the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 8, 2017.

Michael Conroy, AP

Vice President Mike Pence's visit to an Indianapolis Colts game last season was a brief one. 

After several members of the San Francisco 49ers knelt during the national anthem, Pence and his delegation immediately left the stadium -- and left taxpayers on the hook for the tab. 

A report published Saturday by the Huffington Post cites newly released documents from the Department of Homeland Security that estimate the cost of Pence's visit -- including hotel, travel and additional security measures -- of at least $325,000. 

All so Pence could not watch an NFL game.

The documents, according to Huffington Post, also indicate the vice president's early departure was premeditated.

Pence, the former governor of Indiana, said he planned the trip well in advance because of a pregame tribute to former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. However, he said he left before kickoff because he was offended by the Niners players kneeling during the anthem.

"I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag or our National Anthem," he tweeted.

In addition to the cost of Pence's flight on Air Force Two, additional security measures were ordered in conjunction with the vice president's visit, including the construction of temporary walkways in downtown Indianapolis.

However, the dates on the newly released (and as the Huffington Post notes, heavily redacted) documents indicate the walkways were ordered the Friday before the game. And a lodging agreement with the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport was signed three days earlier.

Pence's staff also informed reporters before the game that the vice president "may depart the game early."

The additional Secret Service expenses totaled $75,000, the Huffington Post reported. Last year, The Washington Post estimated the cost of the flight on Air Force Two was roughly $250,000. Those figures don't include the cost of local law enforcement and emergency services that were required because of Pence's visit.

Published 4:12 PM EDT Oct 7, 2018

Terms of Service Privacy Notice