New Insights Expose Security Breaches Before Trump’s Assassination Attempt

New Insights Expose Security Breaches Before Trump’s Assassination Attempt

A forthcoming book reveals major security failures that unfolded prior to the first assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. The new insights come from an excerpt of Axios Senior Political Reporter Alex Isenstadt’s book titled “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power,” published by Vanity Fair.

The excerpt emphasizes the alarming circumstances surrounding the July rally in Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred. It also highlights several security breaches that raised concerns about Trump’s safety among his inner circle.

Key Events Leading to the Threat

In the weeks before the Pennsylvania rally, Trump’s campaign team expressed increasing worry over his safety as the former president intensified his public appearances. One particularly troubling incident transpired during an August 2023 arraignment in Washington, D.C. At that time, the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Marshals reportedly failed to secure the building adequately.

Trump used a public elevator that remained accessible to onlookers, exposing him to potential threats. An aide described the scene, stating, “Trump’s elevator stopped at each floor, and after the door opened onlookers gawked; it was a total freakshow.” This incident alarmed those in Trump’s entourage who feared for his safety.

Fumbles During Transportation

The problems extended to his transportation as well. On the return trip to Reagan National Airport, the Secret Service failed to clear traffic for Trump’s motorcade. As the convoy navigated through rush-hour congestion, confusion mounted. One observer reflected on the situation, noting, “It was clear there was a problem.” An accident narrowly avoided an incident in which a vehicle cut in front of a press pool van, leading to an urgent braking maneuver.

Response from the Secret Service

In response to the incidents highlighted by Isenstadt, Secret Service spokesperson Melissa McKenzie stated, “On August 3, 2023, agents protecting then-former President Donald Trump followed appropriate protection protocols during his arraignment at a federal courthouse. There was never any threat to the President during his movements within the motorcade or courthouse.” She emphasized that courthouse security procedures included thorough weapon screening for all entrants.

Concerns at Mar-a-Lago

Trump’s team reportedly found security measures lacking at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence. Detailed in Isenstadt’s book, the excerpt describes the club as a “fishbowl” filled with visitors from various backgrounds. While some individuals meeting with Trump underwent security checks, many others accessed the property without scrutiny. The excerpt raises alarms about the risk posed when Trump often dined on an open-air patio, stating, “Someone could simply walk up to him with a gun.”

McKenzie declined to comment on specific visitor access issues at Mar-a-Lago, citing operational integrity of their protective operations. She advised inquiries about access to facility managers.

Tensions Within the Secret Service

As concerns about Trump’s safety mounted, tensions intensified between his Secret Service detail and agency leadership. At that time, Sean Curran led Trump’s protective team. Isenstadt noted a growing divide as the Trump campaign requested increased security assets due to an escalating threat level, concerns the agency failed to address adequately.

Despite the campaign’s insistence on expanding the security perimeter during the Republican convention, Secret Service leadership in Washington dismissed these requests, believing existing plans were sufficient.

Violent Attacks and Their Aftermath

Events took a terrifying turn on July 13, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a rooftop near a rally, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Trump himself narrowly escaped injury during the chaotic shooting.

Later, while golfing at Trump International Golf Course in Florida on September 15, Trump faced another assassination attempt. A would-be assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly pointed an AK-47 at Trump while he was on the green. Secret Service agents swiftly responded by engaging the shooter.

Investigations and Accountability

These alarming incidents prompted several investigations, including congressional scrutiny of Secret Service failures. In the wake of the July rally shooting, Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director at that time, resigned under mounting pressure from lawmakers regarding the agency’s accountability.

In response to the rising threats, McKenzie stated, “Following the events of July 13, the U.S. Secret Service elevated the protective posture for our protectees and bolstered our protective details as appropriate in order to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for those we protect.” She assured that the agency continuously evaluates its protective measures and methodologies in light of evolving threats.

Looking Ahead

The revelations in Isenstadt’s book have sparked renewed conversations about the adequacy of security protocols for high-profile individuals. As more details of these events unfold, the public and experts alike will watch closely to see how security measures adapt to ongoing risks associated with political figures. The question remains whether lessons learned will lead to comprehensive improvements in the protection of those in the public eye.