Trump Assassination Attempt

Security Lapse or Systemic Failure?

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Welcome to this special edition of On the Circuit, where we delve deep into one of the most shocking security incidents of recent times: the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

As protection professionals, we know that even the best-laid security plans can quickly unravel. Therefore, the events of July 13 in Pennsylvania are a reminder that even with all the kit, equipment and resources, we can still get horribly exposed.

In this edition, we meticulously dissect the security failures that led to shots being fired at the Republican campaign rally, examining the incident from multiple angles. We'll explore the chronology of events, analyze the breakdown in communication between agencies, and scrutinize the protocols that were—or should have been—in place.

Our goal is not to point fingers but to learn, adapt, and improve. By understanding what went wrong, we can collectively strengthen our strategies and enhance our readiness for future assignments.

 
Our role as protectors, our professionalism, and our conduct have once more been thrust under a microscope for examination. Can you stand up to the scrutiny?

Let’s dive in as we unravel the complexities of this near tragedy and extract crucial takeaways for our industry.

Top Story

Trump Assassination Attempt: A Critical Look

Montage of Trump Assassination Attempt

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

To help us piece together and draw lessons from the attempted assassination of former President Trump, here is a concise timeline of the key events before and after shots were fired.

Prior To Shots Fired

July 6-12

• Crooks registers for the rally and conducts suspicious online searches

• Crooks visits the rally site and a shooting range

July 13, Morning

• ESU hosts a security briefing; federal law enforcement does not attend

• Two local law enforcement snipers are positioned on the AGR building

July 13, Afternoon

• Crooks' parents contact law enforcement about his whereabouts

• Crooks flies a drone near the speaking area

July 13, 5:04 p.m. - 5:52 p.m.

• Crooks is seen walking to the AGR building

• Law enforcement identifies Crooks as suspicious

• A sniper takes pictures of Crooks and alerts the "Sniper Group"

• Sniper has visual confirmation of Crooks 20 minutes before shooting

July 13, 6:00 p.m. - 6:12 p.m.

• Trump begins speaking

Shots Fired And Forward

July 13, 6:11 p.m.

• Gunshots ring out from a rooftop for about 26 seconds. USSS agents surround Trump on stage.

July 13, 6:12 p.m.

• USSS agents target the shooter, Thomas Crooks, who is on a rooftop about 150 yards away with an AR-15. A local tactical team misses a shot at Crooks, but a Secret Service agent successfully neutralizes him with a headshot.

July 13, 6:13 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.

• USSS agents move Trump off the stage and into a security vehicle. Trump’s ear is nicked by a bullet.

July 13, 6:40 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.

• USSS releases an official statement confirming the incident and Trump’s safety. The Trump campaign issues a statement thanking law enforcement.

July 13, 7:40 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.

• Trump is hospitalized, and Donald Trump Jr. informs the media that his father is doing well. President Biden issues a statement condemning the violence and expressing relief at Trump’s safety.

July 13, 9 p.m. - Midnight

• The FBI announces an assassination investigation. Trump issues a statement thanking law enforcement and expressing condolences to the victims' families.

Security Measures Analysis
A drone view during the police investigation into gunfire at a campaign rally of former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, in Butler, Pa., July 14, 2024. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

A drone view during the police investigation into gunfire at a campaign rally of former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, in Butler, Pa., July 14, 2024. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

Overview of the Protection Plan in Place

The security plan for the July 13 rally involved coordination between multiple agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), local law enforcement, and tactical units. Let’s take a closer look at the plan:

Site Visits and Briefings: The USSS conducted a site visit on July 10, three days before the rally, to assess security needs.

Sniper Teams: Two local law enforcement snipers were positioned on the second floor of the American Glass Research (AGR) building, while additional sniper teams from both the Secret Service and local law enforcement were deployed around the venue.

Perimeter Security: The venue featured two security perimeters: an outer section monitored by state police and an inner perimeter overseen by the Secret Service, including an anti-sniper team.

Crowd Management: Attendees were required to pass through metal detectors to ensure no weapons were brought into the rally area.

"The assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13th is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades... On July 13th, we failed"

Kimberly Cheatle, Secret Service Director

Identification of Potential Weak Points in the Security Setup

Despite the resources available and comprehensive planning, several critical weaknesses contributed towards the security failure:

Communication Breakdown: There was a clear conflict between federal and local law enforcement agencies. For instance, it’s known that federal law enforcement did not attend the security briefing on the morning of the rally.

Unsecured Rooftops: The AGR building, from where shots were fired, was identified as a potential risk but was left unsecured. Local law enforcement had flagged the building as a concern, but due to jurisdictional ambiguities, it was left outside the secure perimeter.

Inadequate Surveillance: The shooter, Thomas Crooks, used a drone to survey the area and assess his firing position without being detected. A clear failure in counter-surveillance measures.

Delayed Response to Suspicious Activity: Crooks was spotted acting suspiciously and using a rangefinder. However, the delay in taking action allowed him to get into position and open fire.

Resource Constraints: The Secret Service claims they had a staffing shortage due to concurrent events, which may have affected the thoroughness of the security planning.

Method of Attack
Thomas Crooks at the Trump rally July 13 in Butler, Pa. (Sen. Ron Johnson)

Thomas Crooks at the Trump rally July 13 in Butler, Pa. (Sen. Ron Johnson)

How Security Was Bypassed

Did Thomas Crooks execute a meticulously planned attack, or were the security gaps so obvious it made Trump an easy target? Let’s take a closer look:

Reconnaissance: Crooks conducted extensive reconnaissance, including flying a drone near the rally site two hours before the event. This would have allowed him to identify potential vulnerabilities in the security setup.

Undetected: On the day of the rally, Crooks used a bicycle to access the venue, which he later ditched under a tree. His ability to blend into the crowd allowed him to avoid detection as a threat.

Ladder Purchase: On the morning of the attack, he purchased a ladder from Home Depot, although it remains unclear if he used it to access the rooftop.

Concealed Weapon: Crooks carried an AR-15 with a collapsible stock, making it easier to conceal. He was also equipped with a rangefinder to measure the distance to the target.

"Crooks' search for 'How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?' clearly reflects his mindset. His subsequent searches became focused on Trump"

Christopher Wray, FBI Director

Analysis of Planning and Reconnaissance

Crooks' actions indicate a high level of premeditation and planning:

Initial Planning: Crooks began his preparations on July 6, registering for the rally and researching the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This included searches like "How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?".

Site Visits: He visited the rally site multiple times, including a visit on the morning of July 13, where he spent about 70 minutes surveying the area.

Weapon and Explosives: Crooks legally acquired the AR-15 from his father and purchased 50 rounds of ammunition. He also had two crude explosive devices in his car, suggesting he was prepared for a more extensive attack.

Drone Surveillance: The drone footage provided him with a detailed layout of the venue, including the positioning of security personnel and potential escape routes.

Critical Analysis and Lessons Learned
Former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Response Evaluation

Much has been made of the failures of the USSS, particularly on social media, but the immediate response to the shooting demonstrated both strengths and weaknesses in the protection team's actions. Let’s take a critical look:

Rapid Reaction: The Secret Service detail's swift response to shield Trump was largely commendable, with agents quickly forming a human barrier.

Decision-Making Under Pressure: The on-site commander's decision to stay in place rather than immediately evacuate proved justified.

Counter-Sniper Effectiveness: Secret Service counter-snipers neutralized the threat quickly, showcasing the value of pre-positioning and training.

Getting Off the X: While ultimately effective, the extraction certainly wasn’t textbook. Stopping to pick up shoes and suboptimal positioning of agents during the move to the vehicle created cause for concern.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

A Secret Service member and members of the crowd at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's rally July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.   (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A Secret Service member and members of the crowd at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's rally July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.   (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

While we have the utmost respect for the USSS and the extensive training they undergo, we can learn a lot from the failings that contributed to this assassination attempt. Very few of us will ever have the luxury of depth of resources available to agencies such as the USSS so it’s important we’re on top of all the variables we have control of. This is by no means an exhaustive list:

Secure the Perimeter: Most Presidential assassination attempts have been conducted at close quarters or from an elevated position. As protectors, it’s our primary responsibility to protect the close-quarters zone around the principal. It’s more difficult to cover rooftops, especially with limited personnel. Therefore, it’s important to use all available resources, whether that’s through a site visit, map recce, use of technology such as drones, or liaising with external agencies.

Inter-Agency Coordination: Establish clear protocols for information sharing and joint decision-making between all stakeholders. Petty grievances and inter-agency competitiveness are negligent and cannot be tolerated.

Rehearsed SOPs: Have well-drilled procedures and protocols for addressing identified suspicious individuals before they become active threats. Ensure team cohesiveness and clarity.

Resource Management: Ensure, where possible, that you have adequate staffing for high-profile events and moves. It’s your duty to flag shortcomings that expose the safety of the principal, the public and your team.

Crowd Awareness Training: Establish clear channels for reporting suspicious activities. Leverage the eyes and ears of event attendees or passersby.

Adaptive Security Measures: Regularly update security protocols to address evolving threats and tactics used by potential assailants. Well-drilled training is important to fall back on, but all professional protectors should be able to adapt in real-time to a dynamic situation.

Technology Integration: In the commercial world, we need to compensate for our limited resources by utilizing advanced surveillance and detection technologies to enhance situational awareness and threat identification.

As we process this event, it's crucial that we approach it not as a failure but as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Our industry has always evolved in response to new threats, and this incident provides us with invaluable lessons to enhance our practices.

Use this as an opportunity to review your current procedures and protocols and ask yourself whether you’re just getting away with it. Share your thoughts and comments with us and on social media. Let’s raise the bar across our industry and ensure we're prepared for whatever lies ahead.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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🇳🇬 Nigerian police warn of potential Kenya-style copycat "Gen Z" protests as Uganda cracks down on anti-corruption demonstrators

🇨🇳🇵🇸 China brokers agreement between Fatah and Hamas for post-war Gaza governance

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE

New Issue of the Circuit - Coming This Week!

Circuit magazine cover showing an Iron box breaking apart

Could you detect and counteract the sophisticated surveillance tactics used by today's most determined adversaries?

Uncover the evolution of executive protection from outdated "Iron Box" tactics to advanced surveillance strategies. Learn from real-world cases like the Herrhausen assassination and gain critical insights into mastering countersurveillance to protect high-profile clients from sophisticated threats. Stay ahead of potential dangers with these essential techniques!

To get the latest issue or access more than 15 years of protection related content, subscribe to the Circuit Magazine >

GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS by RANE

In Mexico, What To Expect Following the Arrests of Two Major Drug Lords

In Mexico, the arrest of two major Sinaloa Cartel leaders will almost certainly trigger retaliatory violence nationwide against local civilians and authorities, as well as potentially U.S. targets, in the coming weeks, while the group's potential consequent fragmentation would shift the country's criminal landscape.

U.S. authorities arrested Sinaloa Cartel co-founder and leader Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as El Mayo, in El Paso, Texas, on July 25 in the culmination of a months-long joint operation between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The operation tricked El Mayo into boarding a plane that he thought would bring him to clandestine airfields in Mexico to inspect for use in drug trafficking operations, but the plane instead landed in Texas, where U.S. agents immediately arrested him.

During the operation, U.S. agents also arrested Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the sons of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Joaquin ''El Chapo'' Guzman, who was extradited to the United States in 2017. A U.S. law enforcement official reported that Guzman Lopez was working with U.S. officials to lure El Mayo onto the plane, though this has not been officially confirmed.

A day after the operation, on July 26, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement commending the work of the law enforcement officials, adding his administration would continue to do ''everything [it could] to hold deadly drug traffickers to account and to save American lives.''

During a press conference on the same day, the head of Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, reported that Mexican authorities were informed of the U.S. operation after it occurred and stated that the Mexican government did not participate in the arrests.

10 Minutes to Stay Alive

Protectors might have an inclination to rush towards danger, but what implications do active shooter incidents have for EP operations and protecting your principal?

We are delighted to welcome Michael Julian, founder of ALIVE Active Shooter Training, to discuss:

  • How should EP teams and operators build an active shooter strategy into their operations

  • Who takes priority during such incidents and why?

  • How can operators train as trainers themselves?

  • What are the wider considerations of preventing active shooter incidents, and why does that matter for an EP operation?

Previous Poll Results

How do the implications of cybercrime concern you most?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Threats to client data security. (5%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜️⬜️ Vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. (55%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Compromises in national security. (28%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (Let us know). (12%)

Your thoughts:

LD: “I work in EP in the NYC Meteo Area. One of our vehicles had to be returned to the dealer as the lease was up. The GPS Data of my Clients last 100 trips could be very telling for a group of NYC Paparazzi. I had to go to the dealership, and after a little bit of negotiation, I was given access to the vehicle and was able to DELETE the details from the GPS system.”

***

Thank you for sticking with us to the end; we appreciate your support.

Stay safe, and keep looking out for one another.

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