‘The most complex, dynamic and dangerous threat environment I’ve experienced’
The toxic political climate and a complex web of threats — punctuated by Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump — is putting an extraordinary strain on the national security officials tasked with safeguarding American democracy.
Security experts say sharp polarization and increasingly hateful political rhetoric — fanned by foreign adversaries and supercharged by social media — have combined to test the nation’s ability to protect its candidates and institutions.
“The 2024 presidential election is taking place at a time when the U.S. is facing the most complex, dynamic, and dangerous threat environment I’ve experienced in the 40-plus years that I’ve been working in law enforcement, homeland security, and national security,” said John Cohen, a former senior Homeland Security intelligence and counterterrorism official.
“We’re facing cyber, physical, and other threats by foreign and domestic threat actors, and what’s different today is how they have fully embraced the power of the internet,” Cohen added.
He said security and law enforcement professionals have been slow to adapt to these changes.
After Sunday’s incident, Republicans were quick to call for increased security measures for the former president.
Other factors have combined to drive up the intensity of the moment: the emergence and surprising political strength of Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to lead a national ticket, after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid; the compressed election calendar resulting from Harris’ late entry into the race; the pileup of criminal charges that Trump has battled for a year; and election meddling by Iran (through hacking) and Russia (through disinformation).
Though every recent election cycle has featured some of these challenges, especially foreign interference, rarely has there been a moment when they’ve all collided at once — requiring the Secret Service to weigh a daunting blend of foreign and domestic threats.
John Sandweg, a partner at Nixon Peabody and former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called the 2024 cycle “an unprecedented time, at least in modern history, in terms of the demands that are on their resources.”
Election season is always challenging for the Secret Service because agents must protect people who are barnstorming the country — so while they guard Trump on his golf course, they must also plan ahead for rallies, campaign stops, and other appearances in unfamiliar venues that raise unique security concerns. The failures that allowed one would-be assassin’s bullet to strike Trump’s ear at a July rally in Butler, Pa., have been a constant reminder that the vaunted agency can still simply screw up.
Ryan Williams, a former aide to Mitt Romney who worked on his presidential bids, said in an interview that the violence directed toward Trump is like nothing he’s seen in his lifetime and that he fears the attempts on the former president’s life could inspire copycat shooters.
“We could potentially see that now in politics,” Williams said. “It’s scary because you can’t protect everybody in politics. There are hundreds of congressmen and senators and high-profile people — it’s just not possible to secure them all if this is what’s going to happen.”
Law enforcement agencies are also operating in an environment of deep distrust, stoked by Trump’s longtime attacks on the FBI and Justice Department amid the deluge of investigations and indictments he’s faced in recent years.
Some Republicans, like Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), called for the feds to stay out of the investigation into Sunday’s incident, saying instead that Florida authorities — under the leadership of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis — should be the ones digging into the latest apparent attempt on Trump’s life. DeSantis obliged, announcing that Florida would do its own probe. But the criminal case against the suspect, identified as Ryan Routh, is a federal case being handled by the Justice Department.
Republicans have also renewed claims that Trump is receiving insufficient protection from the Secret Service, despite Trump’s own praise of the agency for its handling of the latest incident. Biden, for his part, denounced the attack and said he had directed that the Secret Service provide “every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
Trump is expected to move forward with all campaign events previously scheduled this week, including stops in Michigan, New York, Washington, D.C. and North Carolina between Tuesday and Saturday. He was scheduled to receive a briefing from the acting director of the Secret Service on Monday afternoon in Palm Beach.
While Trump has railed for years against the Justice Department and the FBI as an ominous “deep state,” he has not criticized the Secret Service (which is a component of the Department of Homeland Security) or local law enforcement agencies. In public and private conversations after Sunday’s incident, Trump reiterated his support for the Secret Service and local sheriff’s office, while seeking to project an image of strength and resolve about continuing his campaign activities.
Questions remain about whether, if Trump were the sitting president, the roads surrounding the golf course would have been closed while he was playing on Sunday. But aides say that there had been a noticeable uptick in Secret Service security measures since the Butler shooting: a larger motorcade, stricter protocols for those flying on Trump’s plane and increased emergency medical staff traveling with him.
The Butler shooting is still the subject of intense scrutiny— both for how a lone shooter was able to position himself to get a clear shot at Trump despite obvious signs of danger minutes before the attack, and for the shooter’s motive, which remains a mystery two months later.
“I think there’s a hatred in our politics that wasn’t there before. The political rhetoric is sharper and more hateful today,” said Gordon Heddell, a retired assistant director at the Secret Service, who spent 28 years at the agency.
“Social media sites play a pivotal role in their capacity to initiate and further lies and conspiracy theories. Advanced technologies make it easier for an assassin to operate. The availability of high-powered military-style weapons and the ability to move about the country freely; and before you know it, the challenges facing the Secret Service have gone way up,” he added.
The proliferation of social media, in particular, has exacerbated challenges. They’ve allowed foreign adversaries to cloak subversive activity through anonymous accounts that amplify divisive messages and cultural conflicts; they allow disinformation to dilute reality and conspiracy theories to take root. And social media platforms have struggled to provide open forums for debate while combating violent rhetoric.
Already, Iran has been eyed as the culprit behind a hack-and-leak effort that penetrated the Trump campaign.
Cohen said the Secret Service is a leader in analyzing people’s behavior to predict if they pose a threat to protectees. But, he added, federal law enforcement officials need to face fewer constraints in viewing and analyzing public social media posts. It’s a complex policy issue, he said, given constitutional and legal protections that Americans enjoy. But intelligence and law enforcement personnel need to be able to do more.
“Sadly, what all too often is the case is that we fail to recognize the warning signs, we fail to respond rapidly to an emerging threat, and the outcome is very often much more tragic,” Cohen said. “Law enforcement needs the technical capabilities and the authorities to review online content associated with threat actors more broadly than they are doing today.”
Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report.
Date: |
-
CBS News - Top stories
National Archives preserves America’s most precious historical documents | 60 Minutes
The National Archives, built to safeguard America’s heritage, holds more than 13.5 billion paper records. But it's been in the news lately for what was missing: certain presidential papers.29 minutes ago -
The New York Times - World
Live Updates: Netanyahu and Hezbollah Trade Fresh Threats
The Israeli leader vowed to take “whatever action is necessary” to diminish the threat posed by Hezbollah. A senior official with the militant group warned that an overnight barrage of missiles ...47 minutes ago -
ESPN - Sports
White Sox tie '62 Mets for most losses since 1900
The White Sox tied the post-1900 MLB record for losses Sunday against the Padres, matching the 1962 expansion Mets with 120 defeats.53 minutes ago - MLB -
ESPN - Sports
Arsenal prove they're a threat to Man City's Premier League throne
Arsenal will feel aggrieved not to leave Manchester with all three points.56 minutes ago - Premier League -
VentureBeat - Tech
Why prompt engineering is one of the most valuable skills today
Prompt engineering is shaping how we interact with and benefit from AI. Here's how to get prompt engineering right.8 hours ago -
MarketWatch - Business
As third-quarter earnings approach, here are the stocks that analysts like — and dislike — the most
This summer, shares of Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp. each took a hit after the technology giants reported quarterly results. But heading into the third-quarter earnings season, ...13 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
The New Season: The most anticipated new movies, music, TV and more
"Sunday Morning" looks ahead to the latest entertainment offerings, from screens to stage, from music to page.13 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
GM's CEO on electric vehicles: "This is one of the most exciting times in our industry"
CEO Mary Barra talks about GM's expanding electric vehicle lineup, as "Sunday Morning" takes a high-speed tour of General Motors' Milford Proving Ground, which has been a hub for automotive ...14 hours ago -
The New York Times - Top stories
Our Appetite for Meat Is Hurting the Environment. Enter Lab-Grown Meat.
Are we ready for the future of meat?Yesterday -
ABC News - Health
Want to burn calories? Climbing stairs might be the most effective exercise for you
If you’re trying to lose a bit of weight and want a new way to do it, stair-climbing as a regular exercise — or just adding a few flights a day — might be for youYesterday -
ABC News - Sports
Want to burn calories? Climbing stairs might be the most effective exercise for you
If you’re trying to lose a bit of weight and want a new way to do it, stair-climbing as a regular exercise — or just adding a few flights a day — might be for youYesterday -
The Hill - Politics
Johnson says Trump 'unshakeable' after second assassination threat
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) weighed in on the second apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump in an interview Friday, calling Trump "unshakeable." Johnson said he met ...Yesterday - Donald Trump -
MarketWatch - Business
IBD and MarketWatch’s fifth annual survey of the most trusted financial companies
Consumers have cast their votes for the financial services companies they trust the mostYesterday -
ESPN - Sports
Which NFL teams are most, least analytics-advanced?
Which franchises have bought in, and which remain skeptical? We polled NFL teams on advanced data usage.Yesterday - NFL -
CNBC - Business
This is the most expensive U.S. city to retire—and it isn't in California or Hawaii
Spending your post-work years in these cities won't come cheap. Here are the 13 least affordable U.S. cities to retire in 2024, according to WalletHub.Yesterday - California -
The New York Times - World
How Dangerous Is PFAS in Food?
There’s a growing understanding of the health threats of PFAS chemicals in what we eat and drink.Yesterday -
BBC News - Top stories
One dead and several missing after 'unprecedented' rains in Japan
The rains have caused floods and landslides in the coastal quake-hit region of Ishikawa in northern Japan.Yesterday - Japan -
The New York Times - Business
Inside Jony Ive’s Life After Apple and His LoveFrom Design Business
Five years after leaving Apple, the iPhone designer is forging a new life in San Francisco, one imaginative building at a time.Yesterday - Apple -
The New York Times - Tech
Inside Jony Ive’s Life After Apple and His LoveFrom Design Business
Five years after leaving Apple, the iPhone designer is forging a new life in San Francisco, one imaginative building at a time.Yesterday - Apple -
The Guardian - World
Is Labour on track to meet its promises on the environment?
Though the party has plenty to celebrate at its first conference in power for 15 years, there is much work to do to on net zero. When Keir Starmer arrives in Liverpool this weekend promising an ...Yesterday -
ABC News - World
Guinea's most wanted fugitive extradited from Liberia
Guinea’s most wanted fugitive, a former senior military officer convicted of crimes against humanity, was extradited from neighboring Liberia, the Guinean minister of justice said Thursday2 days ago -
Financial Times - World
Secret Service says US faces heightened threat after Trump assassination attempts
Agency was complacent during Pennsylvania shooting incident, acting director admits2 days ago - Donald Trump -
Inc. - Business
Telegram App Banned on Ukrainian State-Issued Devices Due to Russian Security Threat
The ban extends to official devices of government employees, military personnel, security and defense workers, and critical infrastructure employees.2 days ago - Ukraine -
The Guardian - World
Rare polar bear shot dead by police in Iceland after being thought a threat
Environment agency advised that the animal posed a danger to elderly woman in remote summer house in Westfjords. A rare polar bear that was spotted in a remote village in Iceland was shot by police ...2 days ago -
The Guardian - World
Win or lose, Manchester City case poses perilous threat to Premier League power | Barney Ronay
Arsenal clash is part Super Sunday but more importantly Tribunal Day Seven and the stakes could scarcely be higher. Dance while the world burns. You have to hand it to English football. It is above ...2 days ago - Premier League -
GameSpot - Tech
Netflix Reveals The Most-Watched Movies And TV Shows Of 2024 So Far
Netflix has released its latest engagement report , listing the most-watched films and TV shows currently on the platform. The report ranks Netflix's small-screen offerings based on views and ...2 days ago - Netflix -
CBS Sports - Sports
Ranking Shohei Ohtani's 10 most memorable games as MLB superstar founds 50-50 club in jaw-dropping fashion
As a hitter, pitcher and now base-stealer, Ohtani has had plenty of incredible games in his career2 days ago - MLB -
Financial Times - World
China’s electric carmakers warn of EU investment cuts over tariff threat
Statement comes as talks continue between Beijing’s commerce minister and European trade commissioner2 days ago - China -
ABC News - Tech
Ukraine bans Telegram app on state-issued devices because of Russian security threat
Ukraine has banned government officials, military personnel and other defense and critical infrastructure workers from installing the popular Telegram messaging app on state-issued devices2 days ago - Ukraine -
ABC News - World
Ukraine bans Telegram messenger app on state-issued devices because of Russian security threat
Ukraine has banned government officials, military personnel and other defense and critical infrastructure workers from installing the popular Telegram messaging app on state-issued devices2 days ago - Ukraine -
BBC News - Top stories
Woman admits dangerous driving caused baby's death
Mabli Cariad Hall died in hospital four days after a car hit her pram outside a hospital.2 days ago -
The Guardian - World
Trump’s threats to ‘go after’ opponents will subvert rule of law, experts warn
Trump’s escalating legal threats against lawyers, donors and others raise concern as Project 2025 seeks to curtail DoJ. Donald Trump ’s sweeping threats if he wins the presidency again to name a ...2 days ago - Donald Trump -
The Guardian - World
‘We set up a WhatsApp group to veto it’ – does The Perfect Couple have TV’s most terrible credits?
The Nicole Kidman whodunnit opens with a dance so cringe-making its stars tried to stop it – and it’s now gone viral. But it’s not the first hit show with an awful opening sequence …. Anyone who ...2 days ago -
Financial Times - Business
Amazon says workers need to be in the office. Most of Silicon Valley disagrees.
Chief executive Andy Jassy brushes off disgruntled staff with tough five-day office mandate2 days ago -
The Guardian - World
Teresa Ribera: the Spanish deputy PM set to become one of most powerful people in Brussels
Socialist and veteran climate campaigner will be one of six executive vice-presidents in European Commission team. At the beginning of May, Teresa Ribera sounded the alarm over the future of the ...2 days ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Social media collects, sells more personal data than most realize, study finds
A Federal Trade Commission study found social media platforms like Meta, YouTube and TikTok engage in "vast surveillance" of consumers and profit from the data by selling it to advertisers. New ...3 days ago -
The New York Times - Business
Threats Against Haitians Land at the Doorstep of The Haitian Times
Racist emails. Swatting. Intimidated sources. The Haitian Times has been receiving some of the same threats that it has been covering in Springfield, Ohio.3 days ago -
CNBC - Business
Are you more resilient than most people? Ask yourself these 7 questions
Scott Mautz, a former senior executive of Procter & Gamble, has spent 30 years studying what makes people mentally strong. Resilience is one of six key muscles.4 days ago
More from Politico
-
Politico - Politics
Fetterman on pager attack in Lebanon: ‘If anything, I love it’
"I thought what Israel chose to do about blowing up the pagers and walkie talkies and after targeting and eliminating membership and leadership of Hezbollah, I absolutely support that,” Fetterman ...10 hours ago -
Politico - Politics
Lobbyists exploit massive loophole to wine and dine lawmakers, aides at fancy getaways
Leading the way is the nonprofit Congressional Institute, which is run by veteran Republican staffers and funded by $3 million in annual dues from private interest groups.17 hours ago -
Politico - Politics
Elon Musk steps up political giving with 6-figure donation to House Republicans
The August contribution is more than Musk has previously given to a party committee.2 days ago - Elon Musk -
Politico - Politics
House passes bill to bolster presidential nominee security
2 days ago -
Politico - Politics
House set to vote on bill to increase Secret Service protection for presidential candidates
2 days ago