Donald Trump spoke behind bulletproof glass at his rally in North Carolina on Wednesday as new security measures are being put in place after the assassination attempt against the former president.
Trump was surrounded by the barriers as he addressed supporters in Asheboro. The event marked his first outdoor rally since the shooting on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, during which Trump and two others were injured and one person was killed.
“We love Trump!” some rallygoers shouted as he took the stage and walked behind the ballistic glass.
ABC News previously reported on the new steps being taken by U.S. Secret Service to add protection to the former president as he continues his 2024 campaign. The use of ballistic glass is typically only used for sitting presidents.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks from a bulletproof glass housing during a campaign rally, at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame in Asheboro, North Carolina, August 21, 2024.
Jonathan Drake/Reuters
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Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech from behind bulletproof glass at his first outdoor rally since the Butler shooting, a stark reminder of the heightened security concerns surrounding political events in the current climate.
The rally, held in Sarasota, Florida, marked Trump’s return to the campaign trail after a brief hiatus following the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots were fired outside a campaign event. The incident served as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers faced by political figures and their supporters in today’s polarized and volatile political landscape.
In response to the shooting, Trump’s team took additional security measures for the Sarasota rally, including the installation of bulletproof glass around the stage where the former president delivered his speech. The presence of such security measures underscored the serious threats faced by political figures and the need for heightened security protocols to ensure their safety.
During his speech, Trump addressed the shooting incident in Butler, expressing gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement and condemning the violence that occurred. He also reiterated his commitment to standing up for his supporters and defending their right to peacefully assemble and express their views.
The use of bulletproof glass at the rally highlighted the growing concerns about political violence and the need for increased security measures to protect public figures and their supporters. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of violence at political events, including the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol and the shooting in Butler, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.
As political tensions continue to run high and divisions deepen within society, it is essential for political leaders and event organizers to prioritize safety and security at public gatherings. The use of bulletproof glass at Trump’s rally serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in public appearances and the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate those risks.
Moving forward, it is likely that we will see an increased emphasis on security measures at political events, with a focus on protecting both public figures and attendees from potential threats. While it is unfortunate that such precautions are necessary, they are a sad reality of the current political climate and a reflection of the challenges faced by those who choose to engage in public discourse and advocacy.
