Security measures increased for Gov. Walz rally in NC following second assassination attempt against Trump
On Sunday, there was another attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump as a would-be gunman was discovered staked out in ambush near Trump's Mar-a-Lago golf course in South Florida and was later apprehended.
The incident has reportedly resulted in bolstered security measures for all of the key players in the 2024 presidential race, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, who is scheduled to headline a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, according to local ABC affiliate WLOS.
How security has been heightened and tightened for the Walz rally likely portends some of the security changes that will become commonplace moving forward amid an apparent increase in the likelihood of threats of politically motivated violence.
Second assassination attempt on Trump results in security changes for others
The Associated Press reported that a would-be assassin armed with a rifle lay in wait for former President Trump for hours near the 6th green of the Trump International Golf Club but was forced to abandon the position and flee after he was spotted and fired upon by U.S. Secret Service agents scouting ahead of Trump as he played his private course on Sunday.
The incident occurred roughly two months after a different gunman opened fire on the Republican nominee at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in mid-July and has sparked widespread concerns about the increased threat of political violence and assassination attempts.
It has also prompted some immediate changes to the way security is handled for political events like campaign rallies, as evidenced by the event for Gov. Walz in North Carolina on Tuesday, per WLOS.
"Security is going to have to matter," political analyst Chris Cooper told the local outlet. "That’s going to change the kind of venues where people are giving rallies, and I think it’s also going to mean we’re less likely to know where they’re gonna show up until the last minute."
Heightened security for Walz event
Cooper's prediction was accurate, as while WRAL News reported over the weekend that Gov. Walz was scheduled to appear at a campaign rally in Asheville on Tuesday, there was no mention of where that rally would actually be held in the West Carolina city.
In fact, according to the Asheville Citizen Times, it wasn't until mid-Tuesday morning that the Harris-Walz campaign notified registered attendees by email of the venue where the rally would take place later in the evening -- an outdoor live music venue known as the Salvage Station.
Notably, attendees would be required to park in designated areas off-site and catch shuttle buses to the actual venue after providing proof of a confirmation email of their registration to attend the event.
Law enforcement keeps security details secret
WLOS reached out to the U.S. Secret Service, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Asheville Police Department for information on the heightened security measures for Gov. Walz's rally but received relatively vague messages in response.
"As a matter of operational security, the Secret Service does not discuss the specific means and methods used to conduct our protective operations," the Secret Service said. "We are working closely with our local law enforcement partners to minimize disruptions to the public while ensuring the highest level of safety and security. Residents and visitors in or around the Asheville area should expect intermittent road closures and parking restrictions as part of the visit."
A spokesman for the Highway Patrol said, "I have confirmed that we are one of the law enforcement agencies assisting with the visit. As to any specific details, that would need to come by way of the U.S. Secret Service as they are the agency responsible for the overall security plans."
"Planning with the Secret Service and campaign staff is ongoing and evolving. The campaign is organizing this invitation-only event at a privately owned venue, which has yet to be announced," the local police said. "The Asheville Police Department coordinates with the Secret Service, as we have done during past campaign events and political rallies. APD will assist with additional security by patrolling the venue area via vehicle, on foot, and on bicycles to maintain a visible presence throughout the event. As with any dignitary visit, public safety remains our top priority."