The Bongino Brief - What Is Going On With The Secret Service?
Jul 27, 2024
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Dive into the intriguing world of security as the discussion reveals that most of Donald Trump's security detail at a recent event weren't even Secret Service agents. Concerns over the preparedness and training standards of agents protecting high-profile figures, including barring incidents involving former presidents, come to light. The rigorous training of Secret Service snipers highlights the stakes involved in ensuring safety. Critiques of a specific shooting incident expose serious lapses in security and accountability, stirring up conversations about evolving threats.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights alarming disparities in security personnel assigned to protect former President Trump compared to other officials during public events.
A successful sniper intervention at a Trump rally underscores both the risks of high-profile security and the need for enhanced preventative measures.
Deep dives
Changes in Presidential Security
The podcast discusses significant changes in the security protocols surrounding the protection of former President Trump during public events. It highlights a concerning incident where only three Secret Service agents were assigned as poststanders for Trump, while a far larger contingent was allocated for other officials, raising questions about security priorities. The disparity in the number of qualified personnel available to protect the most threatened man in the world is alarming, particularly given the potential threats presented by large public gatherings. This situation has led to broader discussions about the adequacy and effectiveness of current security measures in light of evolving threats.
Counter Sniper Success
An important point made during the episode focuses on a counter sniper's role in neutralizing a shooter during a Trump rally, highlighting the critical and difficult nature of this operation. The sniper was able to successfully engage the threat with a single shot from a considerable distance, which is described as a 'one in a million' shot given the challenging conditions. This successful intervention potentially saved the life of the former president, illustrating both the risks involved in such high-profile security situations and the skill required by the agents involved. However, the discussion also emphasizes that proper preventative measures should have been in place to avoid the necessity for such drastic action in the first place.
Concerns Over Security Management
The episode raises serious concerns about the overall management and effectiveness of the Secret Service, suggesting that current leadership may not be equipped to handle modern security challenges. Issues such as inadequate surveillance and failure to perform vulnerability assessments are highlighted as significant oversights that could jeopardize the safety of protectees. There is an urgent call for a review of existing policies and practices within the agency to ensure that proper standards are maintained, especially as threats continue to grow in sophistication. This criticism of leadership points to a need for accountability and better training for all agents to enhance preparedness against potential attacks.