Former President Donald Trump’s upcoming campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on October 5 has raised alarms among security experts and political figures following two recent assassination attempts. The return to Butler, where a shooting occurred during a July 13 rally, has prompted calls for increased security measures and reconsideration of high-risk venues.

Eli Crane, a Republican congressman from Arizona and former Navy SEAL sniper, has publicly urged Trump to reconsider holding the rally in Butler. “Though I appreciate the former president’s courage and strong desire to rally his supporters, I strongly suggest that he and his campaign avoid this site on October 5 and in the future,” Crane cautioned during a bipartisan task force meeting.

The July 13 incident in Butler resulted in one death and two injuries when a gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire on the crowd. Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed, while David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were seriously injured. The former president was injured to his ear, in a close call that could have taken his life. Secret Service counter-snipers eventually neutralized the shooter.

Crane criticized the security measures in place during the Butler rally. He said it was clear that several essential security protocols were overlooked. He emphasized that one doesn’t need a background in special operations to see the incompetence and security failures that resulted in these significant vulnerabilities.

A second attempt on Trump’s life occurred at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course in September 2024. Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested after allegedly lying in wait with a sniper rifle for nearly 12 hours. Crane analyzed the mistakes made by Routh, noting that a professional would not have made such errors.

The incidents have sparked a congressional investigation into the security failures. A bipartisan House task force, led by Republican Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, is examining the events surrounding the Butler shooting. The task force has heard testimony from local law enforcement officials who highlighted communication breakdowns between the Secret Service and local agencies.

A Senate report released earlier detailed multiple failures by the Secret Service during the Butler rally. The 94-page document cited issues such as lack of a clear chain of command, poor coordination with local law enforcement, inadequate resources and equipment, and failure to effectively secure the site.

In response to these security lapses, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation. The agency has acknowledged the Butler incident as its “most significant operational failure” in decades and cited complacency among its staff.

Despite the heightened concerns, House task force chairman Kelly said he doubts Trump will change his mind about returning to Butler. “The president has decided that he is going back to this site, and I think we know him well enough to understand that he defies any logic when it comes to concerns for his safety,” Kelly said.

Crane has suggested that Trump bolster his security with loyal private personnel. “My suggestion to the former president and to his campaign is that he beef up his private security with individuals who are loyal to him and not burdened by the bureaucracy,” Crane advised.

The congressman also warned about the potential for more sophisticated threats. “What happens when professionals come after him?” Crane asked during the task force hearing, pointing out the possibility of foreign agents or organized domestic groups targeting the former president.

A former Secret Service agent, speaking to Hindustan Times, issued a grim warning about future attempts. “There is an unprecedented level of threats against political figures in the country, and Trump appears to be at the top of that list,” the agent said. He emphasized that Trump’s high-profile rallies present numerous security challenges.

The assassination attempts have reignited debates about the safety of political figures in the United States and raised questions about the ability of federal agencies to respond to evolving security threats. The House task force is expected to propose legislative reforms and issue a final report on the matter before December 13.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the security of candidates, particularly high-profile figures like Trump, remains a critical concern. The incidents have prompted calls for a comprehensive review of protection protocols for political leaders and candidates.

The Secret Service has stated that the findings from these investigations are “essential” to ensuring similar incidents do not happen again. As Trump continues his campaign events, the balance between public engagement and personal safety remains a challenging issue for his team and security personnel to navigate.