The Secret Service has significantly strengthened former President Donald Trump’s security following the assassination attempt on him last month, sources familiar with the situation revealed on Thursday. This includes temporarily reallocating members of President Joe Biden’s protective team to Trump’s detail and securing ballistic glass for use at future outdoor campaign events, reported NYT.
The reassignment of presidential protection personnel to a candidate is unusual, according to a Secret Service official who requested anonymity. However, the heightened threat to Trump and Biden’s reduced travel schedule have made this measure both necessary and practical.
The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny since July 13, when an assailant managed to fire at Trump during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack grazed Trump’s ear, killed a spectator, and injured two others. The FBI and congressional leaders are investigating the incident.
Following the breach, former Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle resigned and has since been placed under Secret Service protection due to threats she has received. The agency has also provided protection to at least two other employees.
Despite the ongoing challenges and the high-profile nature of the security breach, the Secret Service remains focused on its mission to protect current and former officials amid a demanding presidential campaign season. Donald Mihalek, a former Secret Service agent, described the agency’s response as part of its “asymmetrical approach” to addressing both known and unknown threats.
The use of ballistic glass, though rare for non-sitting presidents, is being implemented for Trump’s events. The glass, which is typically transported by military aircraft due to its weight, will be strategically positioned across the country for Trump’s future rallies.
Trump, who has not held an outdoor rally since the Butler event, announced plans to return to the area in October. He confirmed his intent in a recent interview with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
A White House spokesperson had no immediate comment, and Trump’s campaign also declined to provide a statement.
The reassignment of presidential protection personnel to a candidate is unusual, according to a Secret Service official who requested anonymity. However, the heightened threat to Trump and Biden’s reduced travel schedule have made this measure both necessary and practical.
The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny since July 13, when an assailant managed to fire at Trump during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack grazed Trump’s ear, killed a spectator, and injured two others. The FBI and congressional leaders are investigating the incident.
Following the breach, former Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle resigned and has since been placed under Secret Service protection due to threats she has received. The agency has also provided protection to at least two other employees.
Despite the ongoing challenges and the high-profile nature of the security breach, the Secret Service remains focused on its mission to protect current and former officials amid a demanding presidential campaign season. Donald Mihalek, a former Secret Service agent, described the agency’s response as part of its “asymmetrical approach” to addressing both known and unknown threats.
The use of ballistic glass, though rare for non-sitting presidents, is being implemented for Trump’s events. The glass, which is typically transported by military aircraft due to its weight, will be strategically positioned across the country for Trump’s future rallies.
Trump, who has not held an outdoor rally since the Butler event, announced plans to return to the area in October. He confirmed his intent in a recent interview with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
A White House spokesperson had no immediate comment, and Trump’s campaign also declined to provide a statement.