On Wednesday, Donald Trump will hold an outdoor rally in North Carolina, marking his first open-air campaign event since narrowly escaping an assassination attempt at a similar appearance a month ago.
For the afternoon rally at the aviation museum in Asheboro, North Carolina, security measures have been significantly enhanced. Reports indicate that bulletproof glass will encase the Republican nominee’s podium, according to information from security and campaign personnel.
Following the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired from a rooftop, injuring Trump and causing one fatality in the crowd, the Secret Service had advised against holding outdoor events. Despite this, Trump has conducted about a dozen indoor rallies since the incident and has publicly expressed his desire to resume open-air events. On July 31, he assured supporters at an indoor arena in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that “we’re not giving up the outdoor rallies.”
Just days before, Trump, now 78, announced on social media his intention to continue outdoor rallies, noting that the Secret Service had agreed to enhance their security measures. The agency typically does not comment on security operations, and they did not confirm the use of bulletproof glass or other increased security measures for the rally.
According to the Washington Examiner, Trump is expected to speak from behind a specially designed transparent barrier at the event, which is similar to the bulletproof glass used in presidential limousines.
The rally in Asheboro is scheduled to take place on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which will officially name Kamala Harris as the party’s 2024 presidential nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Security at the Democratic convention is notably tight, echoing the heightened measures seen at last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Trump’s event will be held at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, where bleachers have been set up for thousands of attendees. The museum’s Facebook page has confirmed that the event will be outdoors.
North Carolina, a key swing state, remains crucial in the lead-up to the November 5 election.