By John Fabbricatore | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Have you ever experienced a situation where things happen that are done right, but still go horribly wrong? The recent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life is a stark example of this.
While the Secret Service was prepared to lay down their lives for the former President and current Republican Presidential candidate, the fact that a shooter managed to get within 140 yards of the stage represents a significant failure in security protocols.
Something went wrong, and, as a result, hearings should be held, Freedom of Information Act requests made, and hopefully we can come to an understanding of why this security lapse occurred.
As we uncover the details and analyze what went wrong, it’s crucial to remember that there is no perfect security. Threats are ever-evolving, and, as they do, so must our security measures.
It’s easy for complacency to set in when a task becomes routine. This applies to law enforcement and security personnel as well. That’s why regular training and drills are essential to ensure everyone involved knows their roles and responsibilities, in case of an emergency. It also allows for identifying any weaknesses or blind spots in the security plan.
In my 30 years of law enforcement experience with the U.S. Air Force Security Forces, as a federal officer with Federal Protective Service, and then more than 20 years with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I have been involved in many high-profile events. These include the first World Trade Center trial, both Oklahoma City bombing trials, and the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. I have written operation plans and understand the concepts of securing a location. I have had the pleasure of working with the Secret Service and have always found them to be professional and masters of their craft. They typically arrive weeks before an event, using advanced teams to scout locations, write up security measures and begin operational planning. This level of preparation and attention to detail is crucial in ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals and events.
However, despite this level of expertise, there have been instances where security has been breached or attempted to be breached. This highlights the importance of constantly reevaluating and updating security measures to stay ahead of potential threats.
Protecting the President of the United States is a task the Secret Service has excelled at for more than 100 years. However, this past Saturday revealed a break in their defenses. Watching President Trump rise, shake his fist at those trying to harm him, and demonstrate his resolve only strengthens the resolve of his supporters. President Trump showed his true mettle — bloody but not beaten. There was another man, Corey Comperatore, who perished a hero shielding his family from the assassin. Corey just wanted to go to an event to support his candidate of choice. My prayers are with them.
We must hold the director of the Secret Service accountable and ask the right questions of Secretary Mayorkas, a man whom many believe lacks the competence to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. He has been called before Congress numerous times to answer for failures under his watch. Will this be the incident that costs him his job?
The Republican National Convention starts this week, and security protocols will be extremely heightened. Crowds will be double-checked, buildings will be thoroughly searched by K-9 units, and agents and officers will work tirelessly to ensure no further incidents occur, allowing for a safe environment for our political process to continue.
As a Republican candidate for Colorado’s 6th District in Congress, I want Americans to come together. We must be able to hold elections safely and fairly, without violence. However, we cannot ignore the fact that for months, Democrats have labeled President Trump as Hitler, a dictator, and an existential threat to democracy. Such rhetoric puts a target on him and can incite those who may already suffer from mental health issues. It is time to stop the lies, the exaggerations, and focus on the direction our country is heading. We are a nation of laws and order, and we must return to that center.
Furthermore, it is important for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and words. Threats of violence or inciting violence against any political leader should not be tolerated. It goes against the very principles of democracy that we hold dear.
In conclusion, the safety and security of our political leaders during major events must be a top priority. This requires a combination of advanced technology, effective communication and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and a commitment from individuals to promote peace and understanding instead of division. Let us come together as Americans.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.