New Delhi: The attempted assassination of Donald Trump at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 has raised significant questions about the effectiveness of the security apparatus deployed to protect the former president.
An ongoing investigation into the incident has uncovered several failures that allowed the gunman to breach security and open fire on the stage where Trump was delivering a speech: what happens next?
An ongoing investigation into the incident has uncovered several failures that allowed the gunman to breach security and open fire on the stage where Trump was delivering a speech:
- Pre-event research and monitoring: Security experts have pointed out that there was a fundamental failure in research and real-time monitoring before the incident. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was able to gain access to a high-up location such as a rooftop without anyone noticing. This suggests that the security team did not adequately assess potential threats beforehand or effectively monitor the area during the incident.
High Ground Control , Jim Cavanaugh, a retired agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), expressed surprise that the gunman was able to occupy such a high place. He said that in his experience, every high place is usually occupied by a security team or local SWAT police to ensure that no one can shoot from the high place.- Perimeter Security: The security cordon around the event was breached. Attendees had to pass security checkpoints including magnetometers, but the gunman managed to evade these checks and get into a position from which he could fire.
- Real-time feedback:
secret Service The main agency responsible for protecting Trump did not know about the armed man on the roof until after he had opened fire. FBI agent Kevin Rojek described the number of bullets fired by the attacker as “astonishing”, reflecting a failure to identify and neutralize the threat in time. It also indicated a deficiency in the agency’s threat assessment and real-time monitoring capabilities. - eyewitness accounts: Witnesses reported seeing a man carrying a rifle crawling onto a roof near the rally site, very close to where Trump was speaking. Despite attempts by attendees to alert security, the gunman managed to gain access to the elevated space undetected. Security experts have said securing elevated spaces is a crucial part of protecting politicians at public events, yet the threat was apparently ignored. It’s also unclear whether security officials acted on the warnings.
- Lack of Transparency and Accountability: No Secret Service representative was present at the initial press briefing following the incident, raising questions about the agency’s transparency and willingness to address the issue.
Security Failures ,
However, Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens defended the Secret Service, saying that it is “incredibly difficult” to secure open space against any potential threat. He stressed that the investigation would help identify areas for future improvement.
what happens next?
- Investigation and Accountability: The FBI has confirmed that the incident will be thoroughly investigated to determine what happened and how the shooter was able to get to his location. The investigation could take months and lead to changes in security protocols and procedures. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives, said panels in the chamber would soon summon officials from the Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI for hearings.
- Congressional inquiries: Senior Republican politicians have demanded answers from the US Secret Service. Senior leaders of the agency are facing questions from Congress. The House Oversight panel has summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify on July 22.
- Future security measures: This incident has highlighted the need for more robust security measures, especially at events held outdoors. Enhancing perimeter security, real-time monitoring, and communication between security personnel and attendees will be crucial to preventing such incidents in the future.
Following the assassination attempt, the Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny over its security protocols and ability to protect high-profile political figures, particularly during public events. The security lapse that allowed the gunman to shoot Trump highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety of those under its protection.
Security measures at Trump rallies
- During most of Trump’s campaign stops, local police assist the Secret Service in securing the venue. Agents from other Department of Homeland Security agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, also sometimes help.
- Many of Trump’s rallies draw thousands of attendees, take place in the open air, and last for hours.
- Before the event, agents check the venue for bombs or other threats, and Trump always arrives in a reinforced motorcade.
- Law enforcement officers typically set up barriers as a perimeter, and all attendees must pass through metal detectors to enter the venue. Armed security agents search all attendees’ bags and even purses. Many rally attendees are also subjected to hand searches.
- Agents surveyed all rooftops beforehand, said Paul Ekloff, a former Secret Service agent who retired in 2020. “This person either kept himself hidden until he became a threat, or was not a threat until he showed his weapon,” Ekloff said.
