August 2024. Blues Vol 40 No.8

orchestrated the move to

orchestrated the move to shield and protect Trump effectively; however, they should not have paused for the shoes. Additionally, one very courageous Secret Service agent shielded the presidential candidate, but their size left a gap in the coverage. The agent leading the formation should probably have switched positions with her to provide better coverage, allowing her to lead the formation to the armored transport vehicle. Corey Comperatore, when shots were fired, instinctively directed his wife and daughter to the ground and shielded them from the gunfire. During this effort, he was hit and killed by one of the rounds fired by the assassin. He died from his wounds. Corey was described by his daughter Allyson as “… the best dad a girl could ask for.” May God embrace him and give him wings. 22 The Blues - August ‘24 Former President Trump’s fist-pumping call to “fight” while bleeding from a gunshot wound will forever be an iconic moment in history. From a security aspect, it exposed him to danger once again, especially if there had been another shooter. However, from a leadership perspective, this deliberate act of courage is unmatched in presidential history. A non-law enforcement friend contacted me and said, “The look on his face scared me.” I responded, “I have been shot at, and whenever I am shot at, I want the people with me to have that look on their faces.” You can see by the reaction of the crowd, who knew by then that shots had been fired, they would have charged into hell with that man at that moment. You can’t teach that in a leadership school. It was an amazing moment to witness. Tactical team members quickly moved to secure the podium, while other members just as quickly made their way to the roof to confirm the shooter was down. They all looked proficient with their weapons and movements. The driver of the armored transport had his vehicle positioned at the opposite end of the stage from where the shots had been fired within seconds. Once the former president was inside that vehicle, he was secure and safe from any shoulder-fired weapon that could be brought to bear. Excellent! A medical triage unit was on scene and quickly provided aid to citizens wounded in the shooting. THE BAD The Secret Service site assessor needs to account for why the roof of the building, which so obviously provided a perfect location for a sniper with skills

and deadly intent to operate from, was unsecured. The Secret Service training of at least one agent on scene needs to be addressed, as the agent was unable to return her weapon to her holster under stress. It could be argued that she should not have been returning her weapon to her holster yet, but regardless, the ability to effortlessly return a weapon to its holster without taking her eye off the threat area is an essential skill she did not possess. If you, dear readers, do not possess that skill, simply purchase a non-firing training weapon of your own and practice drawing and returning your weapon to the holster. THE UGLY Some political adversaries and media members have encouraged the targeting of not only this political candidate but also his supporters with their unhinged comments. President Biden should also recalibrate his comments, as just days ago, he said, “It’s time to put Donald Trump in a bullseye.” Words have consequences. It is time to tone down the rhetoric on both sides. Politically elected decision-makers have to reassess security preparations. Shockingly, proposed legislation by a Mississippi congressman would remove Secret Service protection from former President Trump and protection has also been denied to Robert Kennedy Jr., also a presidential candidate. This is especially troubling and shows little consideration for the concept of risk management, given that his father and uncle were both victims of political assassins. Political leaders have deliberately and unjustly defunded, defamed and demoralized law enforcement. These efforts have had a lasting impact on the profession, making the officer recruitment a major problem. As a direct result of these actions, law enforcement is dangerously understaffed nationwide during these perilous times. CONCLUSION As stated, there were some commendable actions in this situation worthy of applause. Some shortcomings could be improved upon. However, the ugly aspects mentioned here need to be addressed and changed, or this will happen again. Prepare! The Blues - August ‘24 23