Dramatic change to his campaign strategy, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has decided to move his rallies indoors after a recent assassination attempt at an outdoor event in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Sources close to Trump’s campaign revealed to NBC News that this shift aims to enhance security by leveraging indoor venues, where safety measures can be more effectively managed. This move comes in the wake of the Butler incident, which resulted in an injury to Trump and multiple casualties among attendees.
New Strategy for Safety
According to Newsmax, the Trump campaign is now focused on hosting events in indoor locations. These venues will allow for tighter security measures, minimizing potential threats. However, Trump may still participate in smaller outdoor gatherings or large stadium events with controlled environments to reduce the risk of sniper attacks.
Secret Service Recommendations
The Secret Service has advised Trump to avoid large outdoor events to enhance safety. This recommendation follows the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who accepted full responsibility for the security lapse in Pennsylvania. Cheatle’s resignation letter stated, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse.”
Indoor Rallies on the Horizon
Trump’s team is currently scouting indoor venues capable of accommodating thousands of attendees. The first of these rallies is scheduled for Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Bojangles Coliseum, which can hold just under 11,000 people. This decision marks a significant shift from the campaign’s previous reliance on large outdoor gatherings.
Trump’s Response
In a recent interview with Newsmax, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Cheatle’s handling of the Butler incident, stating she should have been “fired in an hour” after the shots were fired. He also mentioned that his campaign had been requesting additional Secret Service protection for his rallies but had not received it.
Campaign Commitment
Despite these security concerns, Trump remains committed to his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. He emphasized the importance of feeling safe while campaigning, citing the success of an indoor rally held in Michigan shortly after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
This strategic shift underscores the campaign’s focus on ensuring Trump’s safety while maintaining engagement with his supporters. As the campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see how this change impacts the dynamics of his rallies and overall campaign strategy.
