Pittsburgh diners criticize ‘staged’ Harris campaign stop: ‘Mind-boggling’

Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign is being accused of committing the cardinal sin (again) by finding a way to fake public enthusiasm, and she's confident enough to do it without much finesse.

This was illustrated by the indignation of patrons at a Pittsburgh culinary landmark on Monday, who claimed that they were compelled to vacate the premises prior to the arrival of the vice president and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a weekend campaign stop, as Fox News reported.

Primanti Bros. in Moon, Pennsylvania, was evacuated at 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to multiple individuals who had been at the restaurant enjoying their food and the Pittsburgh Pirates game on television.

Reports on The Ground

Patrons were up in arms after they were removed from the place of business, speaking out about the experience.

Simply wanting a peaceful day, Mark Dodson of Collier, who claimed he was just in the area to enjoy "the Bucs."

"I wanted to watch some sports and enjoy an afternoon lunch," said Dodson, as Primanti is known for its signature Pittsburgh-style sandwiches piled high with sliced meats and french fries – a Steel City custom.

"Around 3:30, the bartender, she goes, ‘It’s last call’ – what do you mean last call?" Dodson said, adding the employee informed him there was a private event at the top of the hour.

Harris Out of Place

The entire situation appeared to be unexpected, according to Dodson, who stated that he is familiar with the restaurant in question.

"They shut down the TVs… so you couldn’t watch the game," he said. "I said, this is BS – this is a public restaurant. It was kind of mind-boggling to me."

Dodson said he was the last real customer of the establishment to leave the premises, but protesters were beginning to amass.

Protesters Blow the Whistle

Protesters shouted, "They kicked us out of Primanti Brothers" and "You are terrible people" as the entourage arrived.

Others accused the campaign of employing "actors" backed up by video captured by ABC News of Harris’ visit which shoeda full dining room with people eating: "Holy hell, all these actors in these vans," a demonstrator was heard shouting.

Moon resident Amy Smith said she was one of several customers asked to leave Primanti Bros. while having lunch there.  Smith mentioned that she had heard rumors that Harris would be passing through the region.