Is Donald Trump at greater risk after escaping a second assassination attempt?

In a second assassination attempt in two months, former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump narrowly escaped potential tragedy while playing golf in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident has once again put the security measures surrounding the former president in the spotlight and raised new doubts about the measures taken to protect his life.

On Sunday, the Secret Service foiled the plot when it spotted an armed man hiding near Trump's golf course. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, had been lying in wait for nearly 12 hours with an AK-47 rifle. Although Routh was positioned about 400 yards from Trump, he was unable to open fire thanks to the vigilance of Trump's security personnel. Agents responded quickly, escorted Trump to safety and engaged in a firefight with the gunman, who fled the scene before he could be caught.

This latest scare followed an incident in July when Trump was shot and suffered a minor injury to his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. In both cases, the suspect's presence raised serious doubts about the Secret Service's ability to fully protect Trump, especially given the open environment in which he often operates.

Escalating threats

The frequency of such attempts has raised alarm in political and security circles. Senator Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the Senate subcommittee investigating the July attack, expressed his deep concern. “A second serious incident that appears to involve an assault weapon is deeply alarming and appalling,” he said in a statement.

While the Secret Service defended its performance, interim director Ronald Rowe sought to reassure the public that the agency's protocols prevented a tragedy. He stressed that Trump's security plan, while improvised given the unplanned golf outing, ultimately worked. But critics argue that two near misses in such a short period of time 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 Secret Service's most significant operational failure in decades.” Her resignation underscored the gravity of the situation, and in response to concerns, the Pentagon has since provided additional military support to protect Trump through the 2024 election cycle.

Trump's security challenges

The circumstances of the recent incident illustrate the difficulty of protecting a former president operating in open, vulnerable areas. Trump's Florida golf course, surrounded by busy roads and with multiple access points, presents a unique security risk. In addition, Trump's habit of using a regular golf cart without bulletproof modifications puts him at additional risk. The open nature of the course leaves few opportunities to take cover, making it difficult to ensure comprehensive protection.

Former Secret Service agents and security experts have pointed out that it is inherently difficult to protect individuals in such public spaces, particularly in states that allow open carry of firearms. Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI deputy director, noted, “The ubiquity of guns, particularly in states with open carry laws, coupled with our inability to comprehensively address mental health issues, makes it nearly impossible to ensure the safety of even those protected by the Secret Service.”

These challenges are exacerbated by Trump's personal approach to security issues. Trump is known for flouting protocols and has frequently defied security measures that could harm his public image. After the July shooting, Trump famously stood up almost immediately after his security staff knocked him down and raised his fist in defiance before being led into his armored vehicle. Such actions have made it difficult for his security team to enforce stricter protocols.

Disregard protocols

Although Trump had been advised to avoid large outdoor gatherings after the July attack, he resumed outdoor rallies in late August. While he initially agreed to speak behind bulletproof glass in North Carolina, he soon abandoned that precaution, leaving the stage to greet his supporters.

This resistance has become a hallmark of Trump's political personality. According to US political analyst Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy, Trump's unwillingness to comply with security measures is linked to his desire to demonstrate strength. “He is a difficult personality to protect,” said Viala-Gaudefroy. “Security measures contradict the political image he wants to project.”

Trump's willingness to put himself in danger to maintain his strongman image has caused frustration among his protectors. Michael Matranga, a former intelligence agent, is among those demanding that Trump be given the same protection as a sitting president. “The incidents are unprecedented,” Matranga said The New York Times“Given the frequency and severity of these attempts, security measures around Trump must be significantly increased.”

Increased security measures before the elections

With the 2024 election looming, Trump's security will undoubtedly remain a contentious issue. As the Secret Service continues to adapt its protocols, there is a growing realization that traditional methods may not be sufficient for a figure as controversial and polarizing as Trump.

The incidents raise broader concerns about rising political violence in the United States. As Trump prepares to confront Democratic rivals, including President Joe Biden, the stakes are higher than ever – both politically and personally.

For now, the former president is standing firm, thanking his security team for their efforts in a message on Truth Social. In his trademark all-caps style, Trump declared, “THE JOB WAS ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT.” But after two assassination attempts in as many months, the pressure on the Secret Service to prevent a third is enormous.

As election season approaches, the question remains: How much more risk can a candidate who refuses to play by the rules take? The answer, it seems, may not come until after the vote is cast.