Presidential security

[RJNorton]

(11-26-2013 02:20 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Superintendent Richards filed a formal charge against Parker alleging "neglect of duty," and listed himself and Charles Forbes as witnesses. The specification reads: "In this, that Parker was detailed to attend and protect the President, Mr. Lincoln, that, while the President was at Ford's Theatre on the night of the 14 of April last, said Parker allowed a man to enter the President's private box and shoot the President."

Laurie, thank you very much for a most informative post. You included one of the reasons why my personal opinion is that Parker's role as a police officer was "guard" and not someone whose job was simply to accompany Lincoln to the theater. If that was really his only duty I don't see why the specification would have been filed at all. I still think Parker blew off his assignment.