Secret Service to Use Bulletproof Glass at Outdoor Trump Rallies: Sources

Former President Donald Trump is set to resume outdoor campaign rallies, but with a notable adjustment: his podium will be shielded by bulletproof glass, according to several sources familiar with the planning. This unusual measure, usually reserved for current presidents, has been implemented in response to recent security concerns following an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate for the first time since Robert Kennedy in 1968.

The U.S. Secret Service has not commented officially on their decision to utilize ballistic glass for Trump’s events, and the Trump campaign has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this change.

The decision to enhance Trump’s security comes after a serious incident last month, when a gunman fired at him from a rooftop approximately 400 feet away during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Though Trump was unharmed, a bystander tragically lost their life in the attack. Following this event, the Secret Service advised that Trump limit his outdoor rallies, which prompted him to hold nearly a dozen indoor campaign events since July 13.

Despite these safety measures, Trump has expressed a strong desire to return to outdoor campaigning, often citing the larger crowd turnout that such events can facilitate. During a rally in an indoor arena located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 31, Trump mentioned the limited capacity of indoor venues, noting, “They’d prefer that we be in an arena. I don’t know why. But we’re not giving up the outdoor rallies. You know, all those people that we had to turn away today, at an outdoor rally you can have.”

Insiders say that Trump’s security team is working on logistics to position glass panels around his podium for added protection. However, the timeline for when this security measure will be fully implemented remains unclear.

ABC News contributor Don Mihalek, who is a retired senior Secret Service agent, commented on the challenges of using this protective measure. “The Secret Service use of UpArmored glass around former President Trump is another step to ensure the campaign is and remains secure,” said Mihalek. He explained that this is not simple glass but rather a substantial and heavy armored material, which will require significant logistical coordination typically reserved for large-scale outdoor events.

In terms of logistics, ballistic glass is normally transported via military cargo aircraft. However, for Trump’s campaign, the Secret Service is arranging to have multiple sets of protective glass stored in different locations across the country. This will facilitate rapid deployment to various rally sites as necessary.

Following the Butler shooting, Kim Cheatle, the former director of the Secret Service, implemented additional security measures not only for Trump but also for other high-profile figures including Vice President Kamala Harris and their respective running mates. Similarly, other individuals under Secret Service protection, such as second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have received increased security measures.

As these developments unfold, it’s clear that the safety of candidates is paramount, and the measures being taken demonstrate the seriousness of security concerns in the current political climate. As Trump prepares to hit the campaign trail again, the enhancements to his security protocol highlight a shift in how outdoor events will be approached moving forward.