The U.S. Secret Service is making arrangements for former President Donald Trump to resume outdoor campaign rallies, with plans to surround his podium with bulletproof glass, following a recent shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service typically reserves the use of bulletproof glass for sitting presidents, but an exception is being made in this case due to the recent attack on Trump. The gunman managed to graze Trump’s ear before being shot by a Secret Service sniper. The plan to use bulletproof glass was set in motion by then-Secret Service director Kim Cheatle in response to the shooting.
After the shooting incident, Trump vowed to continue appearing at outdoor rallies and stated that the Secret Service would be stepping up its security measures. The Secret Service had already increased security efforts around Trump, with highly trained counter snipers being deployed at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, there were apparent security lapses at the event, leading to Cheatle’s resignation. It was revealed that there were communication issues between the Secret Service counter snipers and local law enforcement during the incident. The Department of Homeland Security is now assisting the Secret Service in establishing a committee to create a uniform communication channel to improve coordination between law enforcement agencies.
Ronald Rowe, the acting Secret Service director, has acknowledged that communication problems among law enforcement agencies on the day of the shooting delayed critical information from reaching the Secret Service. Local law enforcement pursued the gunman in the minutes leading up to the shooting, but there were issues with relaying information to the Secret Service. The panel being assembled with assistance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will help improve communication between the Secret Service, federal law enforcement officials, and state and local law enforcement agencies. Heather Fong, a former San Francisco chief of police, will lead the committee.
The decision to resume outdoor campaign rallies with enhanced security measures comes after the attempt on Trump’s life at the rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service is taking steps to ensure Trump’s safety during future events, including the use of bulletproof glass surrounding his podium. Trump has expressed his intention to continue holding rallies despite the incident and has stated that the Secret Service will increase security measures. The Secret Service is also addressing the communication issues that arose during the shooting incident, with plans to establish a uniform communication channel for better coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Overall, the Secret Service is taking proactive steps to enhance security measures for former President Donald Trump’s upcoming campaign rallies in light of the recent shooting incident. The use of bulletproof glass and improved communication channels are part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of Trump and all attendees at future events. Despite the challenges faced during the incident in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service is working diligently to address security lapses and strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies. Trump’s determination to continue holding rallies and the Secret Service’s commitment to enhancing security measures demonstrate a collective effort to prioritize safety and security at campaign events.
