Former President Trump is returning to Butler, Pennsylvania for a rally
When former President Donald Trump takes the stage again this Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, the security measures surrounding the GOP nominee will reflect lessons learned from a near-fatal incident during his previous visit.
On July 13, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a gunman opened fire, grazing his ear, killing one attendee, and injuring two others.
Secret Service and law enforcement are ramping up efforts to ensure there is no repeat of the attack.
In response to the July attack, the U.S. Secret Service has introduced significant changes to its security operations.
“Since the attempted assassination of former President Trump on July 13, the U.S. Secret Service has made comprehensive changes and enhancements to our communications capabilities, resourcing, and protective operations,” said Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service.
“Today, the former President is receiving heightened protection, and we take the responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously.”
The attack occurred when 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire from a rooftop near the rally site in Butler, where eight shots were fired, creating panic and leading to immediate adjustments in security protocols.
Moving forward, Secret Service agents will be positioned both inside and outside the secure perimeter, including on rooftops.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have been planning for Trump’s return to Butler for two weeks.
On October 5, the U.S. Secret Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and local police will work closely to ensure a safe event, said Guglielmi.
The Secret Service is leveraging additional federal resources, such as Homeland Security Investigations and TSA agents to manage the rally site.
Security improvements include the deployment of counter-sniper teams, counter-drone technology, and tactical teams integrated with U.S. Secret Service agents at Butler rally.
Law enforcement is focused on securing the perimeter, which presents a range of vulnerabilities due to its proximity to tall buildings and a nearby farm show site.
A Senate investigation, published last month, pointed out the failures of the U.S. Secret Service during Trump’s July rally.
The report, authored by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, revealed serious communication breakdowns.
In particular, radio malfunctions plagued Secret Service agents, leaving some without proper communication during the assassination attempt.
In one instance, a Secret Service countersniper was forced to rely on a local radio after failing to fix his malfunctioning Secret Service-issued device.
Moving forward, Trump’s security detail now includes a communications specialist from the U.S. Secret Service to mitigate such issues.
Trump’s appearance in Butler comes at a time when threats to his life are being taken very seriously.
According to U.S. law enforcement, Trump remains a primary target for assassination plots.
One of the most significant threats stems from an ongoing investigation into a Pakistani national with ties to Iran, accused of conspiring to kill U.S. officials, including Trump.
Matthew Olsen, head of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, said the government remains “gravely concerned” about Iran’s assassination attempts targeting Trump.
A recent briefing from the Director of National Intelligence warned Trump of real, ongoing threats from Iranian operatives.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s latest Homeland Threat Assessment also highlights Iran’s determination to retaliate for the 2020 death of Qassem Soleimani, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike ordered by Trump.
Law enforcement is preparing for a crowd of 25,000-30,000 attendees at the Saturday rally.
With security tightened and new measures in place, officials aim to prevent any repetition of the violence that marked Trump’s last appearance in Butler.
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