Staff Reports
In a recent interview with RedState, retired Army General Ernest C. Audino raised concerns about the security failures that led to the assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa. The general emphasized needing a thorough after-action review to identify where the lapses occurred.
Audino, drawing on his experience leading Kurdish Peshmerga troops in Iraq, highlighted the importance of understanding the militarily significant aspects of terrain in assessing threats. He pointed out that a proper reconnaissance and planning phase should have identified potential vulnerabilities, such as the rooftops at the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds where the sniper was positioned.
Retired Army General: 'Somebody Failed to Appreciate the Militarily Significant Aspects of Terrain'https://t.co/Rp11ewNlFL
— RedState (@RedState) July 15, 2024
The general stressed the need for securing key terrain and avenues of approach to prevent hostile actors from gaining the advantage. He questioned why the rooftops were not adequately monitored or secured during the event, ultimately leading to the security breach.
Audino also noted the differences in mindset between military and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the military’s focus on neutralizing threats compared to law enforcement’s investigatory approach. He underscored the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment and ensuring resources are allocated appropriately to address high-risk scenarios.
The general warned against underestimating the severity of the threat posed by the assassination attempt on President Trump, highlighting the potential consequences of such a failure in presidential security. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the incident, Audino’s insights serve as a sobering reminder of the need for robust security measures to protect our leaders and the integrity of our democracy.
