Assassination attempt on Trump raises questions about Secret Service security measures
After a narrow escape from an assassination attempt, scrutiny is mounting on the security measures surrounding former President Donald Trump. Trump was targeted by a shooter identified as Thomas Crooks during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant was armed with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle, specifically an AR-15 variant, a weapon infamously associated with numerous shootings.
Secret Service response
The US Secret Service, tasked with the former president’s protection, is trained for rapid and decisive action in such scenarios. During Trump’s rally, they deployed a counter-sniper team at strategic positions to neutralize any threats. On July 14, the counter-sniper team used an Mk13 sniper rifle, a precision long-range weapon primarily used by US military forces, including Navy SEALs.
The incident has sparked widespread conspiracy theories and criticism of the Secret Service’s handling of the situation. A video shared on social media platform X shows a counter-sniper aiming the shooter before he fired at Donald Trump, prompting questions about why a preemptive attack was not carried out. Some have even questioned the sniper’s aiming skills, noting that he seemed to lose the target’s coordinates.
Who are the counter-snipers of the US Secret Service?
The US Secret Service, established in 1865 to combat threats against the nation’s financial system, was initially focused on counterfeiting. It was not until the assassination of President McKinley in 1901 that the Secret Service took on the responsibility of protecting the president.
The Counter Sniper Team (CS) is a specialized unit within the Secret Service that provides global long-range observation and tactical support to protective details. They also support designated protectees, protected venues, and National Special Security Events (NSSEs). Members of this elite team undergo 29 weeks of Uniformed Division Training followed by 11 weeks of Counter Sniper Selection and Basic Training.