Will Geddes Donald Trump Assassination Attempt Failure In Security

In this episode, Niall discusses the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump with international security specialist Will Geddes. They analyze the significant security lapses that allowed the attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to get dangerously close to Trump during a rally. Geddes provides detailed insight into the failures of the Secret Service and the need for improved security measures.

Will Geddes, with extensive experience in protecting high-profile individuals, describes the incident as "a shambolic mess from start to finish." He criticizes the lack of advanced planning and reconnaissance, stating that "there should be an enormous amount of advanced planning, looking at every conceivable chance and opportunity that could be exploited by someone with malintent."

Discussing the immediate response to the shooting, Geddes emphasizes the importance of swift action: "The most important first response is to take the principal off the X, meaning the spot where the threat is imminent. You don't allow him to rise again until the threat is completely neutralized."

Geddes also highlights the communication failures among law enforcement agencies, noting that "there was a good three-minute period between identifying the shooter and neutralizing him." This delay, according to Geddes, is unacceptable and points to significant operational weaknesses.

The conversation touches on the broader implications of this security breach, including the potential resignation of the Secret Service head, Kimberly Cheadle, and the need for a review of security protocols for high-profile political figures. Geddes concludes that "the closer we get to the election, the more volatile it will become," stressing the urgency of addressing these security flaws.