PA - Assassination attempt, shooting injures former POTUS Donald Trump, leaves 1 spectator deceased two in critical condition, 13 July 2024 #4

[fred&edna]

Maybe the election process in the US needs to be changed. To put all candidates on a level playing field. Maybe a potential candidate shouldn't be allowed to campaign from the day they were inaugurated. That puts a tremendous strain on all aspects of the government; from providing security for the candidate to vetting the locations, using local LE personnel who provide additional security.

According to this article, wealthy candidates can always provide their own security and pay for it out of their own pocket or use campaign funds for security details. Even regular-Joe congressmen and women have to make a personal decision on how to protect themselves from wingnuts yet without being provided regular security. The number of threats that SS deal with every year aren't limited to presidential candidates - they run from Supreme Court judges, congressmen and women, senators and private citizens like Paul Pelosi (although Nancy's personal detail followed her and no one was protecting her husband). So there's another lapse in security. Trump is the first former president to actually run again so he presented a much different circumstance than let's say, Jimmy Carter or George W H Bush. I believe that difference is why there was a lapse in security. I doubt it will happen again.

FEC wants to allow campaigns to pay for security amid rise in threats

Threats against Congress members rose eightfold since 2016.

ny1.com

Capitol Police knew security precaution lapsed ahead of Paul Pelosi attack - Roll Call

The Capitol Police let a security precaution lapse for months ahead of the October 2022 break-in and attack on Paul Pelosi.

rollcall.com

In Canada where I live there is a limit to when a candidate can start campaigning. Once the election is called usually between 37 to 51 days the candidates can start campaigning. Some drop out because they don't have the funding (usually the fringe type candidates). Here's a chart that shows the differences in voting.

Federal Elections Comparison Table | Elections Canada's Civic Education

Comparable

electionsanddemocracy.ca

$3 billion and the US SS can't prevent ants from a picnic. I don't think changing/re-writing laws will help.

 

[Artis]

$3 billion and the US SS can't prevent ants from a picnic. I don't think changing/re-writing laws will help.

There was one point in the hearings where some politician asked if the SS needed more money and it would be appropriated. It may have been Ted Cruz who asked (shame on him, if so) but I was disgusted. Washington's (and all governments) answer to everything is always throwing more money at it. This when the US has a 35 trillion dollar national debt!!! https://www.usdebtclock.org/

 

[Elley Mae]

Snipped.

The job of a special agent is highly competitive, and only 2% of our applicants make it through the hiring process. From the moment I became Director, I have been focused on resourcing our personnel, obtaining technology, increasing staffing levels, and evaluating our hiring processes and training facilities. I am proud that this year we had a net gain of over 200 special agents.

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Director-Cheatle-Written-Testimony-Statement-FINAL.pdf

 

[Artis]

Snipped.

The job of a special agent is highly competitive, and only 2% of our applicants make it through the hiring process. From the moment I became Director, I have been focused on resourcing our personnel, obtaining technology, increasing staffing levels, and evaluating our hiring processes and training facilities. I am proud that this year we had a net gain of over 200 special agents.

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Director-Cheatle-Written-Testimony-Statement-FINAL.pdf

Whoopdeedoo. Maybe they should look at that 1000 yard shooting radius thingy.

 

[Sundog]

Snipped.

The job of a special agent is highly competitive, and only 2% of our applicants make it through the hiring process. From the moment I became Director, I have been focused on resourcing our personnel, obtaining technology, increasing staffing levels, and evaluating our hiring processes and training facilities. I am proud that this year we had a net gain of over 200 special agents.

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Director-Cheatle-Written-Testimony-Statement-FINAL.pdf

Not buying it.

 

[Simply Southern]

There was one point in the hearings where some politician asked if the SS needed more money and it would be appropriated. It may have been Ted Cruz who asked (shame on him, if so) but I was disgusted. Washington's (and all governments) answer to everything is always throwing more money at it. This when the US has a 35 trillion dollar national debt!!! https://www.usdebtclock.org/

Senator Lindsey Graham... Repeatedly asked what do you need to have joint communication system? Do you need more for protection detail?
Moo ... Judicial/Homeland Security Congressional Committee hearing

 

[fred&edna]

Senator Lindsey Graham... Repeatedly asked what do you need to have joint communication system? Do you need more for protection detail?
Moo ... Judicial/Homeland Security Congressional Committee hearing

I have a link!

 

[Sundog]

Senator Lindsey Graham... Repeatedly asked what do you need to have joint communication system? Do you need more for protection detail?
Moo ... Judicial/Homeland Security Congressional Committee hearing

This whole issue of communication among law enforcement entities at major events and during major crises just really makes me angry. This has been discussed for years now, and it still seems like little progress has been made.

In 2007, after the Virginia Tech campus shooting that killed 33 people, task forces were formed in states across the country to address campus safety and issues that we learned from the Virginia Tech mass shooting. At the time, I was working at a university in Ohio and was appointed to represent our university on the Governor's Task Force on Campus Safety that was established immediately after the Virginia Tech incident. We had many statewide meetings, including meetings with leaders from Virginia Tech's campus security team. One of the things that came up at these meetings, over and over again, was the need for improved and coordinated communication abilities among different law enforcement agencies. That was in 2007. It is now 2024. And the SS are still having this problem? Seventeen (17) years ago the communications problem among various LE entities in crisis events was highlighted as needing to be resolved. I find it amazing that it is still a problem among SS and state LE and local LE. It should be obvious and a no-brainer that this is critical - one of the most critical issues - for law enforcement in a crisis situation that they plan for when providing protection for our presidents and other VIP leaders.

 

[Odeto BJ]

SECOND SECURITY BREACH
***WITHIN 18 DAYS***

TBM

The Secret Service said in a statement to The Post Monday night the two were “credentialed and screened,” but were removed from the premises because they didn’t follow proper entry protocol.
....After the two people were tracked down, they were ejected from the event and questioned, sources said. Neither person has been criminally charged.

The two did get stopped at an initial checkpoint before they bypassed the second screening, sources said.

From the article:

"The GOP nominee was set to give the keynote address, but was instructed by his security detail to wait until the individuals were located, according to sources."

MOO: while this does bring questions about how a person could circumvent the "Second Screening", it feels much more like business as usual for the Secret Service. A couple folks dodged a line up, somehow; and they were identified, detained and escorted out... before Trump took the podium. I would think something similar happens every other week....So if Butler had not focused so much attention on the SS, this would have made the MSM...NOT.

So to the extent the second ring was porous: this was a "breach". Its a little harder to qualify as a "slip up": Seems like the measures worked. Will we, or the NYPost ever know how the breach occurred? Probably not. Because no one on the Security side wants everyone to know what to look for, what opportunities might exist, should you wish to approach the inner circle. JMO

 

[Elley Mae]

This whole issue of communication among law enforcement entities at major events and during major crises just really makes me angry. This has been discussed for years now, and it still seems like little progress has been made.

In 2007, after the Virginia Tech campus shooting that killed 33 people, task forces were formed in states across the country to address campus safety and issues that we learned from the Virginia Tech mass shooting. At the time, I was working at a university in Ohio and was appointed to represent our university on the Governor's Task Force on Campus Safety that was established immediately after the Virginia Tech incident. We had many statewide meetings, including meetings with leaders from Virginia Tech's campus security team. One of the things that came up at these meetings, over and over again, was the need for improved and coordinated communication abilities among different law enforcement agencies. That was in 2007. It is now 2024. And the SS are still having this problem? Seventeen (17) years ago the communications problem among various LE entities in crisis events was highlighted as needing to be resolved. I find it amazing that it is still a problem among SS and state LE and local LE. It should be obvious and a no-brainer that this is critical - one of the most critical issues - for law enforcement in a crisis situation that they plan for when providing protection for our presidents and other VIP leaders.

Seems there are radios out there that could be used for ss,fbi, state, and local LE that could be used during an event where they are needed.

Seems the ss, fbi have allowed their authority to keep LE below them, like their not worthy.

I can’t leave this out, the ones that were in the building their phones should be subpoenaed to see if they were using their phones.

…

Every time i go to a store 8-10 employees are on their phone,except the cashiers.

Jmo

 

[Simply Southern]

Seems there are radios out there that could be used for ss,fbi, state, and local LE that could be used during an event where they are needed.

Seems the ss, fbi have allowed their authority to keep LE below them, like their not worthy.

I can’t leave this out, the ones that were in the building their phones should be subpoenaed to see if they were using their phones.

…

Every time i go to a store 8-10 employees are on their phone,except the cashiers.

Jmo

Apparently there is a system and it was named and expensive.

 

[SouthAussie]

This whole issue of communication among law enforcement entities at major events and during major crises just really makes me angry. This has been discussed for years now, and it still seems like little progress has been made.

In 2007, after the Virginia Tech campus shooting that killed 33 people, task forces were formed in states across the country to address campus safety and issues that we learned from the Virginia Tech mass shooting. At the time, I was working at a university in Ohio and was appointed to represent our university on the Governor's Task Force on Campus Safety that was established immediately after the Virginia Tech incident. We had many statewide meetings, including meetings with leaders from Virginia Tech's campus security team. One of the things that came up at these meetings, over and over again, was the need for improved and coordinated communication abilities among different law enforcement agencies. That was in 2007. It is now 2024. And the SS are still having this problem? Seventeen (17) years ago the communications problem among various LE entities in crisis events was highlighted as needing to be resolved. I find it amazing that it is still a problem among SS and state LE and local LE. It should be obvious and a no-brainer that this is critical - one of the most critical issues - for law enforcement in a crisis situation that they plan for when providing protection for our presidents and other VIP leaders.

I was reading yesterday how communication was also an issue during 911. And that was in 2001. The agencies couldn't directly communicate with each other - it created issues and needed to be improved.

Not quite the same scenario, but it was spoken of in an article about the attempted assassination.
I am not sure which article I read it in, but here is one that speaks of the problem.


The tragedies of 9/11 revealed fundamental problems with communication systems used by U.S. first responders. The radios that police, fire, and paramedics relied on did not effectively operate across different agencies. Some of these issues were operational, while the majority were technical.
The release of The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States in 2004 was a landmark moment for the future of public safety communications. The commission recommended dedicating a swath of radio spectrum for a single purpose—establishing an interoperable nationwide public safety network.

https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/communications-from-9-11-to-covid-19/#:~:text=The%20tragedies%20of%209%2F11,while%20the%20majority%20were%20technical.

 

[shotgun09]

Another damaging whistle blower report. Doesn't bode well for acting Director Rowe either. From Senator Josh Hawley, who was at the committee hearing on Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1819094175096176770

 

[layer]

I was reading yesterday how communication was also an issue during 911. And that was in 2001. The agencies couldn't directly communicate with each other - it created issues and needed to be improved.

Not quite the same scenario, but it was spoken of in an article about the attempted assassination.
I am not sure which article I read it in, but here is one that speaks of the problem.


The tragedies of 9/11 revealed fundamental problems with communication systems used by U.S. first responders. The radios that police, fire, and paramedics relied on did not effectively operate across different agencies. Some of these issues were operational, while the majority were technical.
The release of The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States in 2004 was a landmark moment for the future of public safety communications. The commission recommended dedicating a swath of radio spectrum for a single purpose—establishing an interoperable nationwide public safety network.

https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/communications-from-9-11-to-covid-19/#:~:text=The%20tragedies%20of%209%2F11,while%20the%20majority%20were%20technical.

What we've got here is... failure to communicate.

 

[Chimera]

Apparently there is a system and it was named and expensive.

If their budget is three billion -- that should cover it ?
Or ... what exactly is the money being used for ?
Omo.

 

[Simply Southern]

Another damaging whistle blower report. Doesn't bode well for acting Director Rowe either. From Senator Josh Hawley, who was at the committee hearing on Tuesday.

WHAT Site team NOT at rally.

Agents asking for additional resources and were retaliated against.

Cut CSD by 20%.

What are they doing with the money ???? 210 Million just for the three nominees and they're cutting 20% off the budget. Add in the 19 million they received approval from Congress to remove from campaign budget, with a footnote that the money was not needed.
Rowe denied, not approving additional staff for Trump, said it was a WAR room decision. Let's hope he didn't lie to Congress. That's jail time.


This is a whistle blower, protected under federal law from retaliation.

I am saddened by the corruption in this agency. This is supposed to be the best of the best.

Wonder who they will name as the next director? I know I wouldn't sit in that hot seat no matter how much money they paid me.
(I dealt with a healthcare quai tam (whistle blower) suit. The federal government overwhelmed us with 1000s of document request with 7 day deadlines. We knew as soon as we started looking at documents we had mid level employees that committed fraud. They were to jail. A three-year living nightmare.)
Moo...

 

[shotgun09]

WHAT Site team NOT at rally.

Agents asking for additional resources and were retaliated against.

Cut CSD by 20%.

What are they doing with the money ???? 210 Million just for the three nominees and they're cutting 20% off the budget. Add in the 19 million they received approval from Congress to remove from campaign budget, with a footnote that the money was not needed.
Rowe denied, not approving additional staff for Trump, said it was a WAR room decision. Let's hope he didn't lie to Congress. That's jail time.


This is a whistle blower, protected under federal law from retaliation.

I am saddened by the corruption in this agency. This is supposed to be the best of the best.

Wonder who they will name as the next director? I know I wouldn't sit in that hot seat no matter how much money they paid me.
(I dealt with a healthcare quai tam (whistle blower) suit. The federal government overwhelmed us with 1000s of document request with 7 day deadlines. We knew as soon as we started looking at documents we had mid level employees that committed fraud. They were to jail. A three-year living nightmare.)
Moo...

Makes me wonder when did they make these cuts? Was it before or after the increased threat from Iran ?
Seems sus, that's for certain.

 

[Luna20]

About the apparent lockdown on facts and information :
The secret service and others above their paygrade are hoping we'll just forget about what happened ?Sorry ... but my memory is better than that !
Why have none of those people been called in for an interview or at least questioned by their superiors ?
No one is going to be fired or at least put on suspension while it's being investigated ?
I realize this has been asked before now.

If a former president isn't safe, than none of us are safe .
Moo.

Suspension, even if temporary is immediately warranted. People need to be heard (Corey’s wife) and that is one step in the right direction. It needs to be done within a reasonable amount of time, not 17 days later.

Bbm.

ITA.
They're hoping the public will forget after a lengthy amount of time passes.
Omo.

Yes, time has a way of desensitizing things, to a fault. In the age of information overload wrongdoers come and go. Events are often interpreted differently based on the journalists/networks. That prolongs getting the accurate information timely. On to the next thing…

Conspiracies are real and happen every day, especially in politics where power, control and money are driving factors. The term "conspiracy theory" was put forth by the CIA to discredit those who questioned the official story in the JFK assassination. They tried to make people look crazy who dug for the truth.

Conspiracies are particularly more rampant in this election cycle. People are gaslighted when they have questions. ‘You are imagining that, overthinking it, trying to blame, you are a conspiracy theorist, etc. Tax payer citizens want the truth.

What we've got here is... failure to communicate.

Right, and it began before the rally started. Sadly there wasn’t any communication between SS and LE until shots were fired.

 

[branmuffin]

Whoopdeedoo. Maybe they should look at that 1000 yard shooting radius thingy.

Yesterday I was watching a news station showing a drone flying over the area where the Trump rally was. There were so many trees in the general area. Mature trees. If someone was so inclined, they could have easily climbed a tree that had good sightlines to the stage and stayed up there for hours without anyone being aware of their presence. It would have been confusing for snipers trying to zero in on the location where the shots came from.

I think this kid was incredibly lucky to get off the shots he did and Trump was incredibly lucky he turned his head. People try to downplay Crook's almost perfect shot since he was basically a newbie. He obviously didn't care about collateral damage and I doubt he thought he'd get out alive.

The failed assassination attempt of Trump should be a lesson that perimeters need to be extended much more than they've currently been because a Canadian sniper (and yes, I know they are experts at lowering their heart rates and breathing to get the perfect shot) killed an ISIS member more than two miles away. An outdoor venue is always going to be more challenging than an indoor event. An indoor event can be vetted days in advance using every manner of technology to check for weapons, explosives, noxious substances, and incendiary devices which gives a much larger measure of a successful security sweep since the location is static. Unlike an outdoor location which is dynamic.

 

[Simply Southern]

I am truly devastated. A man was murdered, two critical, and a former president.
This is something you see in a movie or read in a John Grisham book. This can't be happening in our country. Moo

[URLunfurl="true"]Secret Service whistleblower makes stunning claim about new director
....
.... whistleblower's complaint is one of several filed ...
...
.....Secret Service personnel expressed alarm that individuals were admitted to Trump events 'without vetting' and were later 'retaliated against,' ...
...
...devastating is the discovery of a technical flaw that led to radio signals not properly transmitting between Secret Service agents at the rally, the New York Times reports.
...
An agent was able to yell out 'Long gun!' over the local Pennsylvania law enforcement radio network.

...critical 30 seconds ticked by and the message was never heard.