The Trump campaign has been put on a new curfew — and no, it’s not about bedtime; it’s about rally time. The Secret Service has come out swinging with advice that should surprise about no one: do not hold outdoor events for the foreseeable future. This recommendation arrives just in time after an alarming assassination attempt on the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania. Apparently, some folks just can’t handle the excitement of a Trump rally without resorting to deadly measures.
Following a close encounter with a bullet during a rally where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks decided to play sniper from a rooftop, the Secret Service has opted for a more indoor approach for future campaign events. Sources whisper that the Trump campaign is now considering venues like basketball arenas, a delightful consolation for rallygoers who might prefer fresh air over artificial lighting. Of course, who doesn’t love the charm of college basketball arenas?
In an astute analysis of the situation, campaign advisers have acknowledged the inherent challenges of crowd control outdoors versus indoors. It’s all about managing who gets in through a few doors, it seems. That’s right; this is now the new frontier of presidential campaigning. They’ve also noted that while indoor gatherings do come with their own set of hassles — like seating capacity limits — they are far more secure. After all, it’s easier to spot potential trouble when you’re not worried about a water bottle flying in from the back row of a stadium.
Total interference…it is the Secret Services duty protect the Presidential candidates in whatever venue selected for campaign events…. Do your darn job as you work for the US citizens not the party currently in the White House https://t.co/LO0AxbtAdT
— Marty Freed (@marty1948613) July 24, 2024
Once again, the Secret Service is under the microscope following this incident, fielding a barrage of questions from Congress. The former director, Kimberly Cheatle, found herself in the hot seat, facing an inquisitive committee and the kind of disdain typically saved for underperforming employees. The criticisms are rolling in, especially from members eager to make hay out of the agency’s supposed glaring security failings. One could almost smell the popcorn as lawmakers dissected the spillover effects of an unsuccessful security perimeter that was apparently smaller than the effective range of an AR-15. Talk about a tough day on the job.
Amid the scrutiny and fierce questioning, Cheatle maintained that agents were not deployed onto Crooks’ roof due to the “safety factor.” I guess balancing on a sloped roof while trying not to tumble off is a risk that the average bureaucrat wouldn’t take on. With the collective eye of Congress scrutinizing every move, Cheatle’s resignation was almost a surprise — not that anyone anticipated she’d survive this latest turmoil. The lesson here? If you’re planning an outdoor rally in the future, just remember: there’s a fine line between thrilling and perilous.