After an assassination attempt on former President Trump, the Secret Service has reportedly advised the Trump campaign to rethink upcoming outdoor events. One attendee at the unfortunate occurrence mentioned that she might forgo attending future events due to the circumstances.
According to the Washington Post, Secret Service officials have suggested that the Trump campaign avoid outdoor rallies, and the campaign is said to be exploring large indoor venues.
Valerie McGregor, a Trump supporter from Plum, Pennsylvania, attended a rally in nearby Butler, marking her first encounter with the former president. She expressed her heartbreak over the day’s events, noting that she likely isn’t alone in her traumatic experience that may deter her from attending another Trump event.
TOP DEM WHO VISITED BUTLER SAYS LOCAL OFFICIALS TOLD HIM ‘WE NEED TO TALK’ MORE ABOUT SECURITY FAILURES
The crowd at former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Fox News)
Reflecting on the event, McGregor noted that she experienced the same concerns discussed on local radio, including the absence of surveillance drones, which she mentioned during her visit.
“I heard what the radio shows were talking about afterward – and they were correct,” she remarked. “These were concerns I hadn’t considered because it was my first rally.”
Given her experience, McGregor indicated that this might be her sole visit to see the former president. “I’ve heard that President Trump continues to hold rallies; that’s encouraging. However, I’m uncertain if I’ll attend another, although my husband wishes to go,” she expressed. “You’d expect to feel safe at a rally with the former President of the United States?”
On that Saturday in Butler, she attended the rally alongside a friend, while her husband opted to watch from home.
Despite arriving early at the farm show grounds, the two friends were unable to secure a seat.
TRUMP SHOOTING: TIMELINE OF ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW GUNMAN EVADED SECURITY
A flag is lowered to half-mast at the entrance of the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
“We were about 30 feet to the right of the stage,” McGregor recounted, mentioning that they heard gunshots and witnessed hydraulic fluid spraying from a nearby forklift hit by a stray bullet. She described seeing a speaker fall as a result of the fluid jet.
“I was so eager to attend a rally – I hadn’t gone to any of President Trump’s rallies ahead of the last election, and I regretted that I missed out,” she said.
Regarding the Secret Service’s recommendation to move events indoors, McGregor pointed out that enclosed rallies also come with their own risks. She highlighted that popular concert acts like Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks can sell out nearby Acrisure Stadium.
“An indoor venue would offer more control, but [Trump] brings in such large crowds,” McGregor noted. “He’s loved by many, but also equally disliked.”
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“Heaven forbid something happens, it could cause a chaotic scene trying to exit,” she warned.
McGregor also criticized the length of time it took for then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign after the incidents. She argued that an expedited termination would have prevented Congress from summoning her to testify this week, asserting that Cheatle should have been dismissed soon after the identified security failures.
Drawing from her corporate experience, she emphasized that immediate action is expected when significant oversights occur, stating that in a serious situation like this, an individual would have been “out the door” without delay.
