Security measures could intensify surrounding political rallies, conventions following Trump rally shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump is leading some safety and security experts to predict more vigilance for political rallies and events for any major candidate, both Republican and Democratic.

Queen City News spoke with former Gastonia city councilman and former New Jersey police chief Walter Kimble about what happened Saturday in Pennsylvania, where former President Trump was injured after shots were fired at his rally. One person was killed and two others were injured in the incident.

“Certainly it was unnerving,” said Kimble. “And speaking with colleagues, frankly, (I am) upset that this was allowed to happen.”

Kimble is intimately familiar with planning political rallies and conventions, sometimes involving roadblocks and even rooftop security.

Kimble noted extended perimeters could be the norm for any upcoming political event, which could mean issues for the average public. Visits from various dignitaries that require additional protection have often led to traffic issues and road closures, which can often extend into all-day situations.

The scaled-back Republican National Convention in Charlotte in 2020 had numerous road closures which hindered Uptown traffic for the length of the convention’s stay in the Queen City.

Kimble also noted there will likely be a more concerted effort for any type of security to “sweep it and keep it”.

“Once those areas are rendered safe, there will be authorized personnel there to keep them that way,” said Kimble, explaining the term.

Kimble noted that law enforcement is often not swayed by a crowd friendly to a candidate, and that should never lead to a sense of calm or complacency for security for the candidate or the supporters attending their events.

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