What goes into the security at a political event? Former Knox County sheriff explains

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the investigation continues into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump , we are looking into what goes into security for a presidential candidate.

“Once I saw where the shooter was in relationship to the stage and where President Trump was, I was quite surprised,” Former Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison said. “How did he get there? I know he was outside the original perimeter, but it’s 150 yards or so.”

Hutchison planned for several presidents and presidential candidates to come to Knoxville several times during his law enforcement tenure.

“When presidents used to come in town to Knoxville, I would put one of my SWAT team members with that counter team and then you had direct communication to the counter team,” Hutchison said.

Former Knoxville Police Chief Phil Keith, who also worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, shared that the FBI will take charge of the investigation into the attempted assassination. Keith told 6 News there is no timeframe for when that investigation will be complete.

“The timeline is going to be the evidence, as the FBI collects evidence,” Keith said.

When a president or former president comes to town, Hutchison said communication is key with so many agencies involved.

“I’d send my SWAT team commander and one of the chiefs that’s over the patrol division to coordinate with the Secret Service, so they would have several meetings,” Hutchison said.

As for the difference in security detail between a former president and a president, Keith told us Trump’s security is significant to him not only being a former President, but also a current presidential candidate.

“Former President Trump, the protection detail is going to be very, very significant,” Keith said. “It’s going to be just below what the road security teams are for the president. They’re very similar in a lot of ways.”

A former president who is not also a potential presidential candidate has statutory protection for years according to Keith.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.