Trump Returns to Outdoor Rallies, Surrounded by Bulletproof Glass

In a significant return to the campaign trail, former President Donald Trump delivered a speech at an outdoor rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, on Wednesday. This event marked his first rally since a recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, which unfolded over five weeks ago.

Addressing a crowd of several thousand supporters, Trump was shielded by bulletproof glass on both sides. The event’s security was heightened, with large trucks and storage units placed strategically to block the rally from being viewed by anyone outside the designated security area. There was also a notable law enforcement presence, including snipers positioned on rooftops in close proximity to where Trump spoke.

According to two federal law enforcement officials, the rally featured a comprehensive deployment of Secret Service resources, including counter-sniper teams, drone technology to counter any potential aerial threats, and advanced surveillance teams. These security measures were markedly more intensive than those utilized prior to the July 13 incident, indicating a significant escalation in precautions following the assassination attempt.

Typically, bulletproof glass is reserved for sitting presidents, but following the recent attempt on Trump’s life, the Secret Service made an exception to this rule. Going forward, Trump is expected to continue using this added layer of protection during his outdoor campaign events for the remainder of the election cycle.

In his speech, Trump refrained from mentioning the recent shooting incident. Instead, he focused on topics such as national security and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and the ongoing Democratic National Convention. Despite the absence of direct references to the assassination attempt, the atmosphere at the rally was still heavily influenced by recent events.

Supporters in attendance were notably vocal, chanting phrases like “Fight! Fight! Fight!” throughout the event. Many wore pro-Trump merchandise, with some sporting designs that included imagery related to the assassination attempt, such as the now-famous fist pump photo that circulated after the incident.

Among the attendees were Gary and Kari Harvat, who were attending their first rally. They remarked on the pronounced security presence, stating that it made them feel “pretty good.” However, both expressed a desire for increased civility in the current political climate.

“I wish things could be, on both sides, more civil,” said Kari Harvat. Her partner, Gary, noted, “I think it’s safer now, just because of what happened previously,” referring to the heightened security efforts at the venue.

Trump also mentioned during an interview with Elon Musk on August 12 that he plans to revisit the site of the assassination attempt in October, just weeks before the November 5 presidential election. “We’re all set up,” Trump shared, expressing his optimism about the support from the local community in Butler.

This rally, despite engaging in standard campaign rhetoric, is undeniably marked by the weight of recent events, revealing a complicated interplay between enthusiasm and concerns over safety that Trump and his supporters must navigate in the upcoming political landscape.