Election rallies “will change their protocol,” says former police commander

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Secret Service agents provide the first line of protection against a president or former president, but protecting a presidential candidate is always at the top of the priority list for many agencies.

The FBI is conducting a more in-depth investigation into this shooting, but local police departments are also involved in ensuring security at the event.

Former police commander reacts to shooting

Former Phoenix Police Chief Jeff Hynes was shocked to see former President Donald Trump grazed by a bullet at a political rally.

“It was that close?!” said Hynes.

“When you look at the coverage and the Secret Service people stepping in and protecting the person they’re guarding – especially when it’s a former president – it looks like they responded immediately.”

Hynes said security for Trump will now be taken to the next level.

“They’re going to change their protocol so that he’s probably going to have protective glass in front of him now when he speaks. You’re going to see new action plans being developed not only with law enforcement, but also with the Secret Service. There’s going to be a lot more cooperation between local law enforcement and the Secret Service,” Hynes said.

Hynes believes the new protocol will be noticeable to the public.

“You’ll see a difference in the configuration of the stages,” he added. “You’ll see the difference when he comes to the event and works there. They’ll go into incredible protection mode and unfortunately for the public, that’s going to affect the way campaigns are run.”

Hynes said this will change security protection on both sides

He said the protocol changes would certainly impact the Biden campaign as well.

“Since this happened to Trump, it’s going to increase on both sides. This has taken this election campaign to the next level,” Hynes said.

One of these changes could be to hold predominantly or even exclusively indoor events for the remainder of the campaign.

This would be a step toward eliminating the variables that were at play at the outdoor rally today.