Security Experts Blame ‘Fundamental Failure’ for Trump Assassination Attempt at Campaign Rally
According to security experts well-versed in the challenges of protecting politicians, a serious security lapse allowed a gunman to get close enough to Donald Trump to shoot him at a presidential campaign rally.
During a speech to supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, former president Donald Trump was fired upon by Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was subsequently shot and killed by secret service agents.
Despite being hit in the ear during the assassination attempt, Mr. Trump is reportedly “fine,” as confirmed by his campaign. One spectator lost their life, and two others sustained injuries in the incident.
Trump assassination latest: Gunman shot dead
Police snipers return fire after shots were fired at Trump. Pic: AP
Security analyst Steve Nottingham, who has previously worked with visiting world leaders, lambasted the security measures in place, labeling it as a “fundamental security failure.”
Nottingham, a former Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team commander, pinpointed the breakdown in pre-event research and real-time monitoring of potential shooting locations as the primary reason for the security breach.
He remarked, “They were caught off guard, should have already secured those areas in advance.”
His critique echoes an eyewitness account provided to the BBC, where a man described seeing an armed individual with a rifle climbing onto a roof near the event. Despite attempts to alert security, the gunman’s position went unnoticed until the shooting began.
Body of gunman in Trump assassination attempt
Retired ATF agent Jim Cavanaugh expressed surprise at the gunman’s ability to secure a raised position within rifle range of the rally site.
Cavanaugh noted, “Essentially, every elevated site is typically under surveillance by secret service or local SWAT teams. Unauthorized individuals are typically barred from such rooftops, considering the advantage they offer.”
An analysis by NBC News revealed that the shooter was located approximately 444 feet from Mr. Trump, within range of a high-powered rifle like an AR-15 capable of hitting targets at 600 feet.
Cavanaugh added, “As someone with experience on Secret Service details, I find it astounding that an individual could access an elevated position without detection.”
Despite criticism, Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens defended the security arrangements, citing the challenge of securing a venue open to the public against determined attackers as a significant obstacle.
The Secret Service, as of now, has not issued a response to inquiries made by NBC.
FBI special agent Kevin Rojek highlighted the surprise law enforcement felt upon realizing the gunman’s presence on the rooftop and the number of shots fired during the incident.
Witnesses at the rally recounted hearing gunfire and observing secret service agents reacting swiftly as Mr. Trump evaded the bullets.
In a later update on the Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump documented the moment he realized he had been shot in the ear.
Body on top of roof
The incident prompted reflections from former Secret Service agent Evy Poumpouras, who emphasized the challenging task of eliminating every potential threat at a rally.
She commented on the difficulty of ensuring complete security at such events and the potential for determined individuals to find ways to carry out attacks.
Pic: AP
Jillian Snider, a former New York City police officer, added that while law enforcement typically conducts perimeter checks ahead of events, determined individuals may still find ways to bypass security measures.
She highlighted the challenge of securing outer perimeters against long-range threats and the difficulties posed by weapons capable of reaching targets from a distance.
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In pictures: Gunman fires multiple shots at Trump rally
