Former President Donald Trump is set to resume outdoor rallies with enhanced security measures, including a three-sided bulletproof glass panel surrounding his podium.
According to a report by the Washington Examiner, this decision comes in the wake of a recent assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Secret Service, under the direction of former Director Kimberly Cheatle, has implemented new security protocols for Trump following the July 13 incident. The use of ballistic-proof glass, typically reserved for sitting presidents, is now being extended to the former president as part of these enhanced measures.
On July 13, during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old gunman fired multiple shots at Trump from the roof of a nearby building. The former president sustained a minor injury to his ear, while two members of the crowd were seriously injured, and one person was killed. This marked the first assassination attempt on a presidential candidate since George Wallace in 1972 and the first on a current or former president since Ronald Reagan in 1981.
In response to this alarming incident, Trump's subsequent rallies have been held indoors. However, the former president has expressed his desire to return to outdoor venues, citing the ability to accommodate larger crowds. The introduction of bulletproof glass is a significant step towards making this possible while ensuring Trump's safety.
Trump commented on the situation during an indoor rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, two weeks after the assassination attempt:
They'd prefer that we be in an arena. I don't know why. But we're not giving up the outdoor rallies. You know, all those people that we had to turn away today, at an outdoor rally you can have.
The implementation of bulletproof glass at Trump's rallies presents significant logistical challenges. Former Secret Service agent Don Mihalek explained to ABC News the complexity of the setup:
This isn't just a piece of glass but a large, bulky, and heavy armored glass that will require extensive logistics capability, normally reserved for large-scale outdoor events.
To address these challenges, the Secret Service has reserved multiple UpArmored glass panels for the former president. These panels will be stored in various locations throughout the country, allowing for efficient transportation to Trump's speaking engagements as needed.
In addition to the bulletproof glass, other security enhancements have been put in place to protect the former president. Notably, personnel from President Joe Biden's personal Secret Service detail have been transferred to Trump's security team. This reallocation of resources comes as Trump faces increased risk levels while Biden's travel schedule has been significantly reduced.
The ability to resume outdoor rallies is particularly important for Trump's campaign strategy, as these events typically draw larger crowds and generate more media attention. The new security measures will allow the former president to continue his preferred style of campaigning while addressing the heightened safety concerns.
As the 2024 presidential campaign season progresses, it remains to be seen how these enhanced security measures will impact the dynamics of political rallies and public appearances. The balance between accessibility and safety will likely continue to be a key consideration for campaign organizers and security personnel alike.
In conclusion, the Secret Service has granted former President Donald Trump the use of bulletproof glass for his upcoming rallies. This decision comes after a recent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, which prompted a reevaluation of security measures. The new protocol includes a three-sided bulletproof glass panel for Trump's podium, allowing him to resume outdoor rallies.
Personnel from President Biden's Secret Service detail have also been transferred to protect Trump due to increased risk levels. These measures reflect the ongoing challenges of balancing public engagement with the safety of political figures in the current climate.
