Following a recent attempted assassination, the Secret Service is increasing its protection for former President Donald Trump. This includes the use of bulletproof ballistic glass at some outdoor rallies and the employment of security detail personnel if needed.
Due to President Joe Biden’s restricted travel schedule following his retirement from the 2024 campaign, some of these agents may be from his protection detail. This move is part of a sophisticated system of rotational deployments, according to a source familiar with the plans.
The source, who spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive operational security topics, stated that these modifications are necessary given the increased possibility of violence against Trump.
The move to beef up Trump’s protection comes less than a month after the Secret Service failed to defend him from a sniper at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired eight bullets from an AR-style weapon before being fatally shot by a Secret Service counter-sniper. Trump was wounded in the right ear, one rallygoer died, and two others were hurt.
Following the event, Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle resigned, and the agency pledged to enhance security for all of its protectees. The decision to use ballistic glass is uncommon, as it is usually reserved for sitting presidents and vice presidents.
This glass is carried using military planes, which often accompany the president on travels. Presidential candidates, including previous presidents like Trump, do not obtain such military assistance.
The Secret Service stated, “Ensuring the safety of our protectees is the U.S. Secret Service’s highest priority. However, to protect the integrity of our operations, we cannot comment on the specific protective means and methods used.”
Regarding Trump’s protective detail, Secret Service spokeswoman Alexi Worley noted that the agency cannot confirm the number of agents assigned to Biden, Trump, or Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. However, she affirmed that Biden “receives the highest level of protection from the Secret Service.”
“The agency’s Presidential Protective Division comprises several hundred highly trained special agents, technical security, and mission support personnel,” Worley said. “For complex and large-scale events, experienced Presidential Protective Division personnel may assist in advance planning for former President Donald Trump and other high-level protectees. This support is separate from Presidential Protective Division operational demands.”
This practice has been common during the United Nations General Assembly in New York and when other high-security world leaders visit the U.S.
The Secret Service came under fire following the near-assassination, particularly for enabling the shooter to obtain a clear shot at Trump. Cheatle resigned due to failures, notably a breakdown in coordination with local police.
Before retiring, Cheatle had already moved to strengthen the presidential contenders’ security measures, notably during both parties’ nominating conventions. The Democrats plan to meet in Chicago to select Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Trump has not done any outdoor campaign events since the Butler shooting. He has also received threats from Iranian operatives. Earlier this month, a Pakistani person with links to Iran was indicted in a conspiracy to assassinate a US lawmaker, possibly in retribution to the Trump administration’s 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
Future Security Plans
According to a source acquainted with the new security dynamics, because Trump lacks military logistics assistance, the bulletproof glass will be strategically placed around the country and deployed by the Secret Service as needed. The agency is also implementing additional safety measures, including as enhanced manpower and overhead drones, to further neutralize dangers at outdoor gatherings.
Former Secret Service Director John Magaw described the difficulties of erecting the massive ballistic glass screens for outdoor gatherings. However, he recognized their value in providing security, particularly at events with various view points for prospective snipers.
“Normally your counter-sniper supervisor comes in a day or two early. They do a flyover with a drone and take pictures. Then you decide how to cover the direct line of fire,” Magaw told USA TODAY. “You can either cover it with glass that can handle a rifle shot or split the venue into four quadrants, each covered by a counter-sniper team.”
Magaw noted that both tactics are often used to provide an effective shield. In the past, the “glass armor” required specific measurements tailored to each venue. “You need to put the glass up in a way that takes away the angle any shooter might use,” Magaw said.