Ex-FBI commander who protected Bill Clinton and Tiger Woods blasts ‘ridiculous’ Secret Service and details how he would secure a golf course following Trump assassination attempt

Ex-FBI Commander Criticizes Secret Service and Outline

A former FBI commander who once protected high-profile figures like former President Bill Clinton and golf legend Tiger Woods has expressed harsh criticism of the Secret Service’s approach to security, particularly in light of recent events surrounding an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This veteran law enforcement officer, with years of experience safeguarding high-profile individuals, has provided key insights into the potential lapses in security and how he would approach protecting a large, sprawling environment like a golf course.

 

Criticism of the Secret Service

 

In a recent interview, the ex-FBI  commander didn’t hold back when discussing what he saw as “ridiculous” failures within the Secret Service’s current protocols. He specifically pointed out weaknesses in how the agency handles open-air events, which pose unique challenges to protecting former presidents and other high-profile individuals. Golf courses, with their vast, open landscapes and limited secure perimeters, can be particularly vulnerable to attacks.

 

He cited the failed assassination attempt on Trump as a wake-up call, arguing that it highlighted the vulnerabilities in the Secret Service’s operational approach. According to him, the service is overly reliant on reactive measures and lacks the proactive strategies needed to secure dynamic, high-risk environments like a golf course.

 

Challenges of Securing a Golf Course

 

A golf course presents numerous challenges for security personnel. Unlike more controlled environments such as buildings or stadiums, a golf course offers little in the way of natural barriers. There are often large crowds, multiple entry points, and vast areas to cover, all of which increase the difficulty of securing such a location.

 

The ex-FBI commander explained that, in such settings, the traditional close-protection methods of the Secret Service may fall short. The linear layout of a golf course, combined with minimal obstructions, allows for long-range threats. He pointed out that attackers could use high-powered weapons from a distance, leaving little time for reaction.

 

He criticized what he saw as the Secret Service’s tendency to focus too much on protecting the immediate vicinity of the protected and not enough on the broader environment. According to him, it’s this lack of situational awareness that makes a high-profile figure more vulnerable.

 

His Strategy for Securing a Golf Course

 

The former FBI commander detailed how he would approach securing a golf course for a high-profile individual like Trump. His plan includes a blend of technology, manpower, and strategic preparation.

 

1. Drones for Surveillance: He suggests deploying drones equipped with high-definition cameras and thermal imaging to monitor the perimeter and detect any unusual activity. Drones offer a comprehensive view of the expansive course and can quickly pinpoint potential threats.

 

2. Advanced Perimeter Control: He emphasized the importance of establishing an outer security perimeter well beyond the limits of the golf course. This would include roadblocks, patrols, and checkpoints to prevent unauthorized individuals from getting too close.

 

3. Sniper Teams: Given the open nature of a golf course, sniper teams should be strategically positioned in high vantage points, ready to neutralize long-range threats. These teams would be supplemented by ground personnel equipped with long-range detection devices.

 

4. Crowd Management: The commander also highlighted the need for effective crowd control. He advocated for a layered approach, where access is tightly regulated, and screening processes are rigorous. This would minimize the chances of a potential attacker blending in with spectators or event staff.

 

5. Cybersecurity and Intelligence Gathering: In today’s environment, physical security must be paired with intelligence operations. The commander would rely on real-time data from intelligence agencies, ensuring any threats are detected before they materialize. Cybersecurity measures would also be in place to monitor digital threats and social media chatter.

Lessons from Protecting Clinton and Woods

Drawing from his experiences guarding Bill Clinton and Tiger Woods, the ex-FBI commander emphasized that no two high-profile individuals are the same when it comes to security. While Clinton required protection in highly political and potentially volatile settings, Woods’ protection revolved around celebrity status, often in public or open environments like golf courses.

 

In both cases, adaptability was key. “You have to adjust your strategy depending on the environment, the crowd, and the nature of the event,” he explained. The same adaptability, he believes, should apply to the Secret Service’s operations today.

 

Conclusion

 

The ex-FBI commander’s scathing critique of the Secret Service’s current methods is a stark reminder that even the most well-trained security agencies can fall short if they don’t adapt to the evolving nature of threats. His approach to securing a golf course presents a strategic blueprint for protecting high-profile individuals in challenging environments. Whether the Secret Service will heed his advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: as long as threats persist, security must constantly evolve to stay one step ahead.