COLUMBUS, Ohio — How did a shooter get onto a roof, potentially unnoticed by Secret Service agents long enough to fire shots at former President Donald Trump?
That question runs through many Americans' minds, especially those familiar with Secret Service operations.
Harry Trombitas worked with the FBI as a special agent for nearly 30 years. He also worked events alongside the Secret Service.
“I know the planning and the training and all the things that go into trying to keep somebody safe and in my opinion the Secret Service is the best in the world at protecting our presidents and other dignitaries and I know they are very disappointed that something happened and they are going to take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Trombitas said.
He wonders if the area around the roof had been cleared and someone was maybe supposed to keep watch.
Trombitas said the attempted assassination was sad, but not surprising.
“The FBI director Christopher Wray had indicated back in October that all the threat levels, the different areas we perform assessments on were extremely high. The rhetoric I think we have seen between the different factions and that is at a level that is quite honestly embarrassing,” Trombitas said.
The FBI will now be responsible for investigating the incident. Trombitas said agents are likely trying to learn everything they can about the shooter and his motive.
Trombitas said the FBI is on high alert for threats especially during the political season. He cautions people heading to political events to speak out if they see something of concern.
Brent Swander is a former press advance operative and has worked many events similar to the rally this weekend in Pennsylvania.
His job was to arrive at event sites days in advance to coordinate logistics, including safety, before handing that job over to the Secret Service.
Swander explained outdoor events present more security challenges than events held inside.
“When you are indoors you can control the line of sight much more they call it a sweep right, you are trying to figure out all your angles and who is in the building, it is controlled access those outdoor rallies are just so much more difficult and there are a lot of questions,” Swander said.
He wonders if this assassination attempt will change how politicians campaign.
"I don’t want to speculate but is this the end of outdoor rallies? I think that has got to be a consideration the Secret Service is taking seriously and that will be a debate even with the campaigns because those big 5, 10, 15 thousand people outdoor rallies make for great campaign and outdoor rallies but at what point does the threshold of candidate and presidential safety have to take precedence,” Swander said.