The Secret Service will reportedly use bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies to protect Trump
Aug. 16 (UPI) – When former President Donald Trump returns to outdoor rallies, the Secret Service will protect him with a podium surrounded by bulletproof glass, sources told media this week. ABC News, CBS News and NBC News cited sources saying that such a podium is normally reserved for sitting presidents, but the Secret Service decided to take this extra precaution after Trump was wounded by a sniper during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The sniper was eventually killed by the Secret Service.
The bulletproof glass podium is one of several measures taken to protect Trump following the assassination attempt. Sources say the encased podium will not be needed at all of Trump’s outdoor events, but it will be used in locations where additional security is needed.
Officials said the Secret Service will also deploy more personnel and technology to reduce the dangers posed by the outdoor rallies, including adding snipers and counter-surveillance.
The July shooting ultimately led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Cheatle pushed for additional precautions after the shooting and before she left the agency.
Congressional hearings and an investigation revealed security lapses during the Butler, Pennsylvania, incident. Among other things, law enforcement identified the eventual shooter, Thomas Crooks, as a suspect and sent his photo to snipers nearly half an hour before the shooting.
