Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to address a crowd in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, approximately 200 miles from the site of an assassination attempt on him earlier this month. Experts have informed Fox News Digital that security protocols will be heightened due to the ongoing scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service and the risk of a “copycat” attack.
“There’s a term ‘copycat.’ People see the attention that [would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks] received and think, ‘I want that attention,'” remarked Kevin Maloy, a former special agent with the State Department, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“I am confident that the Secret Service has intensified their measures because the apprehension of a potential copycat is present. Crooks got alarmingly close to achieving his goal with such ease – it could compel someone else to try,” he continued.
TRUMP SHOOTING: TIMELINE OF ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW GUNMAN EVADED SECURITY
Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13 during a rally in Pennsylvania. (Trump Campaign Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Gene Petrino, who was the SWAT commander for Florida’s Plantation Police Department for 26 years and specializes in active shooter scenarios, advised Fox News Digital that there is “always a concern for copycat shooters” and emphasized that “a recent attack would definitely increase the security risk and response.”
The concern over another potential attack is not without basis. In the three weeks leading up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr., there were thwarted plots against him in both Chicago and Miami, as noted by former Secret Service agents in interviews with CBS Miami and ABC Chicago.
The GOP nominee is set to speak at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, which boasts over a million square feet of indoor space, according to information on its official website.
TRUMP TO RETURN TO PENNSYLVANIA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
More than 12,000 attendees filled the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20, 2024, to witness former President Donald Trump alongside vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at their inaugural joint rally, occurring after the attempted assassination. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)
Pennsylvania State Police and Capitol Police will collaborate with the Secret Service to secure the venue, as confirmed by the State Police to Fox News Digital, while the local Harrisburg Police Department will manage traffic control in the area.
“You might assume that [an indoor venue] would be easier to secure,” commented Maloy, who has previously protected former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and former Secretary of State John Kerry. “However, the potential size of the crowd packed into the space, particularly after the incident in Butler, may present unique challenges regarding visibility.”
Maloy noted that security sweeps of the venue have likely been conducted or are in progress to identify possible vulnerabilities and areas where a weapon or explosive could be hidden.
“We’ve already observed a significant change in [Trump’s] security detail at the RNC. I would expect to see similar enhancements at his rally,” Petrino stated. “I anticipate more distance between Trump and the audience, alongside a clear pathway as he approaches the stage. I would be surprised if there aren’t drones offering aerial surveillance, multiple sniper teams covering various angles, as well as K-9 units on-site.”
SECRET SERVICE’S TRUMP RALLY SECURITY FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WITH ‘EYES IN THE SKIES’: REP GUEST
Butler, Pennsylvania, audience at former President Trump’s rally (Fox News)
“I suspect he won’t linger too long when getting on or off the stage,” added Petrino.
Arriving and departing a venue presents “one of the most vulnerable moments for a protectee,” noted Maloy, pointing out the predictability of their movements during these times.
“It’s advisable to consider alternatives to the primary entrance – an underground parking area, a rear or side door, or a location with modified views,” Maloy suggested. “If those aren’t feasible, the area should be tented to obscure visibility.”
Inside the venue, Maloy highlighted that there are catwalks, balconies, and boxed seating that could serve as advantageous positions for a potential shooter, emphasizing that “access to these areas should be restricted.” He stated that maintenance catwalks would be ideal placements for Secret Service counter-snipers.
Additionally, he indicated that a contingency evacuation plan for the former president would be established, with a motorcade strategically positioned outside should another assassination attempt occur.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Thousands gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20, 2024, for former President Donald Trump’s first rally following a failed assassination attempt against him. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)
The recent near-miss in Butler, according to Maloy, was either a result of “incompetency or complacency” within the Secret Service; however, he observed that he has “[seen] valuable lessons learned from the Butler incident.”
“Their pride took a substantial hit,” Maloy remarked regarding the Secret Service. “They are typically a professional agency. Everyone has scrutinized their protective protocols heavily.”
“Whether it was incompetence from certain individuals or a chain of errors, or simply complacency, that remains unclear. That’s what everyone is attempting to ascertain,” he added.
