CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Retired FBI supervisor outlines factors in apparent Trump assassination attempt, possible solutions

Sep 16, 2024, 3:00 PM | Updated: Sep 17, 2024, 4:15 pm

The Trump International Golf Club is shown, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Where ...

The Trump International Golf Club is shown, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Where the second assassination attempt took place. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

SALT LAKE CITY— A retired FBI supervisor from Utah explained factors that helped a gunman get close enough to former President Donald Trump for a second assassination attempt. 

Related: Suspect charged in second assassination attempt of Donald Trump 

Karl Schmae, the retired FBI supervisor, told Dave and Dujanovic there were four major factors at play:

      1. The Secret Service has limited resources right now.
      2. In general, golf courses are hard to secure because of how large and publicly accessible they are.
      3. Americans’ easier access to automatic weapons.
      4. Angry people are willing to be violent.

Secret Service resources

Schmae said that the short period of time between assassination attempts on the former president are frightening. Only nine weeks passed between the first and second. 

“It seems like it’s open season on presidential candidates.”

Schmae said the Secret Service doesn’t have the resources to fully surround a golf course right now. Fixing that gap in staffing isn’t as simple as it seems.

“It’s an open public venue. [It is] really, really hard when you [have] all that wooded area around. Potentially houses around. And that takes a lot of manpower that the Secret Service just doesn’t have right now.”

Schmae said that the Secret Service has stringent hiring criteria, therefore, it takes a while for them to increase staff numbers. 

“And that’s going to be the case for a while because it takes a while to get people trained up,” said Schmae. 

After a second assassination attempt, what is the solution? 

Until the Secret Service can hire and train more agents, Schmae said he thinks they should consider leaning on local law enforcement for help.

“I think the Secret Service needs to be looking at trying to … use some alternatives. Like using the locals more than they have in the past.”  

Schmae believes that these factors are going to cause the Secret Service to reevaluate and ramp up security. 

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

11 hours ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

14 hours ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Sq...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest two people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for suspected drug-trafficking operation in Library Square. 

2 days ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

3 days ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

4 days ago

FILE: A United States District Court emblem is seen in a courtroom in the Salt Lake City Federal Co...

Simone Seikaly

Former gymnastics coach pleads guilty to new charges involving cameras, bathrooms

Gymnastics coach Adam Richard Jacobs has plead guilty to putting a camera in a minor's hotel room and bathroom.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Retired FBI supervisor outlines factors in apparent Trump assassination attempt, possible solutions