WASHINGTON — In response to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is enhancing his security measures. This includes the introduction of bulletproof glass at select outdoor rallies and an increase in protective personnel when necessary.

Some of these protective agents may be sourced from those currently assigned to President Joe Biden due to his lighter travel schedule following his exit from the 2024 election, according to an individual privy to the arrangements. The source, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive security issues, indicated these adjustments are essential due to the heightened risks Trump faces.

This decision to strengthen Trump’s security comes after the Secret Service’s failure to safeguard him during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a sniper gained access to a vantage point on a nearby rooftop.

The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds from an AR-style rifle before being neutralized by a counter-sniper from the Secret Service. Trump sustained injuries to his right ear, and tragically, one attendee was killed while two others were injured. Following this incident, Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle resigned, and the agency committed to strengthening security to prevent vulnerabilities for any of their protectees.

The choice to implement ballistic glass—a costly and logistically challenging option—marks a significant deviation from standard protocol, since such measures are typically reserved for sitting presidents and vice presidents. The source explained that transporting this glass requires military aircraft, which usually accompany presidential travel.

Presidential candidates, even former presidents like Trump, do not receive the same level of military logistical support.

Prioritizing safety for candidates and presidents

The Secret Service declined to provide details on these changes, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of its protectees is their top priority. To maintain operational integrity, they cannot reveal specific protective strategies employed.

The informed source confirmed the revised security arrangements, stating the agency is dedicated to delivering the necessary level of protection for all its protectees.

Regarding Trump’s protective detail, Secret Service spokeswoman Alexi Worley mentioned they can’t disclose how many agents are assigned to Biden, Trump, or Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate.

However, she noted that as President, Biden “receives the highest level of protection from the Secret Service.”

“The agency’s Presidential Protective Division comprises several hundred specially trained agents, technical security specialists, and mission support personnel,” Worley stated.

“For large-scale events, seasoned members of the Presidential Protective Division may assist in the advance planning for former President Donald Trump and other high-profile protectees,” she continued. “This support is distinct from the operational demands placed on the Presidential Protective Division.”

This approach has often been applied during significant events such as the United Nations General Assembly in New York and when other high-security world leaders visit the U.S., according to the Secret Service.

Secret Service facing scrutiny post-Trump’s assassination attempt

The Secret Service has faced harsh criticism since the incident on July 13, particularly for allowing Crooks a clear shot at Trump. This, along with other operational failures such as communication issues with local law enforcement, contributed to Cheatle’s resignation.

Before stepping down, Cheatle had initiated measures to strengthen protective details for presidential candidates from both parties during their nominating conventions. The Democrats are preparing to meet in Chicago on Monday to select Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Since the shooting in Butler, Trump has not conducted any outdoor campaign events and is also dealing with threats from Iranian operatives, according to U.S. intelligence. Recently, a Pakistani national linked to Iran was arrested in connection with a murder plot targeting a U.S. politician or official, possibly motivated by the Trump administration’s 2020 decision to eliminate Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, as reported in a criminal complaint made public this Tuesday.

The source familiar with the new security measures indicated that, lacking military logistical support, the ballistic glass will be set up in various locations across the country at the discretion of the Secret Service for specific events.

The agency is also introducing additional safety measures, including increasing personnel and employing aerial drones to better address potential threats at outdoor rallies.

A costly and challenging operation

Former Secret Service Director John Magaw highlighted that transporting and setting up the heavy ballistic glass panels for outdoor rallies, which Trump prefers, is a significant task. However, he noted that these measures can be crucial for enhancing security, especially in open areas where potential snipers might have multiple angles to target.

“Typically, your counter-sniper supervisor arrives a day or two ahead of time. They conduct a drone flyover to assess the site, and then strategize how to cover direct lines of sight,” Magaw explained to YSL News. “You can choose to shield those areas with protective glass capable of withstanding rifle fire.”

You have the option to divide the location into four sections,” each overseen by its own specialized counter-sniper team.

Magaw mentioned that frequently, both methods are employed, creating a highly effective protective barrier. Historically, he noted that the “glass armor,” a term often used by the Secret Service, required precise measurements to fit a specific venue.

“It is essential to position the glass in a way that reduces the angles available to any potential shooter,” Magaw explained.