*** Perhaps he was afraid of angry crowds or maybe even breathing the air.***
It’s important that photo ops not backfire. Mayor Pete was conflicted because he wanted to wear a gas mask to protect himself, but showing up in one would give ammunition to the opposition. So staying away until *the dust* settled was the decision, and he would blame it on Trump to cover his tracks.
LOL. I guess a gas mask was better than his first choice…….a giant plastic bubble.