WASHINGTON — The Secret Service will use ballistic glass to protect former President Donald Trump so he can resume outdoor campaign events, according to two sources familiar with the planning and a Trump campaign official.
Bulletproof glass of that kind is already available to sitting presidents and vice presidents. It is transported using military aircraft whenever the president travels, but Trump, a candidate and former president, does not have access to such military transportation support. Sources who asked not to be named to discuss sensitive security provisions said the ballistic glass will now be positioned around the country and moved in by agents who will be responsible for guarding it.
Not every outdoor event will require ballistic glass, but to better protect Trump, it is likely to be used whenever there are issues at specific sites or there are needs for added security.
It is one of several security measures previously used only for officeholders but that are now being added to Trump’s protection after a failed assassination attempt, one of the officials said.
The official said the Secret Service is also increasing staffing and technology to mitigate threats around Trump during outdoor rallies, as well as more increasing threat analysis and prevention for all protective details, including deploying counter-snipers and countersurveillance.
The Secret Service faced intense scrutiny and criticism after a gunman fired multiple times at Trump during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, wounding him and two rallygoers and killing another person.
Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said after the shooting, which led to her resignation, that she was bolstering the protective details of the candidates for president.
Trump has not held an outdoor campaign event since the attempted assassination.
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