In a second assassination attempt within two months, former US president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump narrowly escaped a potential tragedy while golfing in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident has once again thrust the security arrangements surrounding the former president into the spotlight, raising fresh concerns about the measures in place to safeguard his life.
On Sunday, the Secret Service thwarted the plot when they spotted an armed man hiding near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, had been lying in wait for almost 12 hours with an AK-47-type rifle. While Routh was positioned around 400 meters from Trump, he was unable to open fire, thanks to the vigilance of Trump's protective detail. The agents responded swiftly, moving Trump to safety and exchanging fire with the gunman, who fled the scene before being apprehended.
This latest scare follows an incident in July when Trump was shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania, sustaining a minor injury to his ear. In both cases, the suspect's presence raised serious questions about the ability of the Secret Service to fully protect Trump, especially given the open environments in which he frequently operates.
Escalating threats
The frequency of such attempts has set off alarms within both political and security circles. Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate subcommittee investigating the July attack, expressed deep concern. "A second serious incident, apparently involving an assault weapon, is deeply alarming and appalling," he said in a statement.
While the Secret Service has defended its performance, acting director Ronald Rowe sought to reassure the public that the agency’s protocols had prevented a tragedy. He emphasized that Trump’s security plan, though improvised given the unscheduled nature of the golf outing, had ultimately worked. However, critics argue that two close calls in such a short span suggest otherwise.
Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned as Secret Service Director after the July shooting, acknowledged the agency’s failings at the time, calling it "the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades." Her departure signaled the gravity of the situation, and in response to concerns, the Pentagon has since deployed additional military support for Trump’s protection through the 2024 election cycle.
Trump's security challenges
The circumstances of the latest incident highlight the challenges of protecting a former president who operates in open, vulnerable spaces. Trump’s golf course in Florida, surrounded by busy roads and offering multiple access points, presents a unique security risk. Furthermore, Trump’s habit of using a regular golf cart, without bulletproof modifications, exposes him to additional danger. The open layout of the course leaves few places to take cover, making it difficult to ensure full protection.
Former Secret Service agents and security experts have pointed out the inherent difficulties of protecting individuals in such public spaces, particularly in states where open-carry firearm laws allow people to openly carry weapons. Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director, noted, "The pervasiveness of weapons, particularly in 'open carry' states, combined with the inability for us to fully address mental-health issues, makes it nearly impossible to guarantee the safety of even Secret Service protectees."
These challenges are compounded by Trump’s personal approach to security. Known for disregarding protocol, Trump has frequently resisted safety measures that could interfere with his public image. In the aftermath of the July shooting, Trump famously stood up almost immediately after being knocked down by his security detail, raising his fist in defiance before being ushered into his armored vehicle. Such actions have made it difficult for his security team to enforce stricter protocols.
Defying protocols
Even after being advised to avoid large outdoor gatherings in the wake of the July attack, Trump resumed his outdoor rallies in late August. While he initially agreed to speak behind bulletproof glass in North Carolina, he soon abandoned this precaution by stepping off the stage to greet supporters.
This defiance has become a hallmark of Trump’s political persona. According to US politics expert Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy, Trump’s unwillingness to follow safety measures is tied to his desire to project strength. "He’s a difficult personality to protect," said Viala-Gaudefroy. "Security measures contradict the political image he wants to portray."
Trump’s willingness to put himself at risk in pursuit of a strongman image has led to frustration among his protectors. Michael Matranga, a former Secret Service agent, is among those calling for Trump to receive protection equivalent to that of a sitting president. "The incidents are unprecedented," Matranga told The New York Times. "Given the frequency and severity of these attempts, the security around Trump needs to be significantly enhanced."
Heightened security ahead of election
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s security will undoubtedly remain a contentious issue. While the Secret Service continues to adapt its protocols, there is growing recognition that traditional methods may not be sufficient for a figure as controversial and polarizing as Trump.
The incidents raise broader concerns about the rising tide of political violence in the United States. As Trump prepares to face off against Democratic rivals, including President Joe Biden, the stakes are higher than ever – both politically and personally.
For now, the former president remains steadfast, thanking his security team for their efforts in a message on Truth Social. In his characteristic all-caps style, Trump declared, "THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING." Yet, with two assassination attempts in as many months, the pressure on the Secret Service to prevent a third is immense.
As the election season ramps up, the question remains: how much more risk is acceptable for a candidate who refuses to follow the rules? The answer, it seems, may not come until after the votes are cast.
