The Secret Service had an elevated presence around former President Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Palm Beach and thwarted an alleged assassination attempt after an agent spotted a rifle through the shrubbery. Experts believe that the agents handled the situation properly, although questions still remain about how the suspect was able to get close to Trump. The incident highlights the challenges of protecting a presidential candidate who maintains a high public profile by golfing and holding rallies.
Former Secret Service officials mentioned that the protection protocol for Trump involved creating a moving bubble around him using high-tech tools to detect potential threats. The incident has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to safeguard Trump, especially after a previous assassination attempt in July. The Secret Service Director resigned following that incident, and efforts were made to enhance security for protectees to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
During the recent incident in Florida, agents fired on a suspect who was seen carrying a rifle near the property line of the golf course. The suspect was taken into custody, and an investigation, including the suspect’s ability to take a shot at Trump, is underway. While the Secret Service’s response was praised by officials, there are calls for further examination of the agency’s protective measures for individuals like Trump. Rep. Ro Khanna has urged the Secret Service to address these concerns and enhance protective perimeters through bipartisan congressional action.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
