Expect heightened security at Trump rally in Charlotte. Here’s what you need to know.
Kimberly Reynolds, a Republican mother of three from Huntersville, is on the fence about attending former President Donald Trump’s rally at Bojangles Coliseum on Wednesday.
She has tickets and second thoughts after an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two weeks ago, where Trump was shot in the ear and three others were injured, one fatally. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday for the security failures in Pennsylvania.
“I’ve supported Trump from the beginning, but now I’m not sure if it’s worth the risk,” she told The Charlotte Observer. “With everything that’s been happening, I worry about the safety of my kids and myself.”
Reynolds could be among thousands of attendees at Wednesday’s rally — Trump’s first since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
Security experts, including a former Secret Service agent and law enforcement officials from North and South Carolina, all expect heightened security Wednesday. And the venue is publicizing a list of prohibited items during the event.
Who’s in charge of security during Trump visit?
Responsibility for security at the coliseum rests with the Secret Service, which collaborates with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and state police to secure the perimeter outside.
The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny for failures that allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
Despite the failures, former Secret Service agent Anthony Cangelosi, who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, is confident in the agency. Cangelosi worked for the agency under president George W. Bush and for The Department of Homeland Security for 10 years.
“Secret Service made a terrible mistake, but this is the first time we’ve had an attack of this nature in over 40 years,” Cangelosi told the Observer. “They learn from mistakes and I don’t expect this to happen again.”
Federal officials have pledged to enhance security for candidates, too. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced last week that Trump will receive expanded protection from the Secret Service.
When asked specifically about the rally on Wednesday, the Secret Service was tight-lipped.
“The safety and security of our protectees is the U.S. Secret Service’s top priority,” spokesperson Nate Herring wrote in an email to the Observer. “Out of concern for operational security, the Secret Service does not discuss the means and methods used for our protective operations.”
Cangelosi said that indoor events typically have fewer risks, but they also present unique challenges.
“With outdoor events you have risks from buildings, rooftops and windows,” he said.
Past rallies
When Trump spoke to more than 5,000 rally-goers at the Winthrop Coliseum in Rock Hill on Feb. 23 there was a huge law enforcement presence both inside and outside the building.
Winthrop Police Department Chief Charles Yearta said Tuesday planning for the event started months ahead of time as he coordinated with outside agencies, including Rock Hill police and the York County Sheriff’s Office deputies to supply the manpower needed to provide safety and security. That’s in addition to what the Secret Service handles and asks from local law enforcement.
More than 40 off-duty Rock Hill Police Department officers worked the February Trump event.
Yearta’s department isn’t involved with the Trump rally Wednesday, but because of the recent assassination attempt, he expects the level of security in Charlotte at the arena and around it to be even higher.
What to know about security
Cangelosi expects more security, too.
This includes expanded security around the coliseum, with more street closures, metal detector wands and bomb-sniffing dogs, Cangelosi said. Also, dump trucks and emergency vehicles are expected to obstruct the view of bystanders on street blocks around the coliseum.
More security won’t dampen the festival-like atmosphere of Trump rallies, says Gaston native Kevin Brendel, who has attended four rallies since 2019. Brendel predicts there will be lively tailgating, blasting music and merchants selling shirts, hats, buttons and more plastered with “Make America Great Again” or attacks against Harris.
“I think there’s going to be more stuff with with the picture of Trump from Butler (Pennsylvania) with his fist raised high after he got shot,” Brendel said. “By the time Trump gets here lots of us will have been lined up for hours.”
▪ Event organizers recommend arriving early and using public transportation or ride-shares when possible. Parking is accessible via Paul Buck Boulevard and Arena Boulevard, as well as the Briar Creek exit off Independence Boulevard for the main Park Expo lot. For ride-share users, the designated drop-off and pickup point is situated near Ovens Auditorium on Paul Buck Blvd. and Arena Blvd.
▪ The following are prohibited: vapes, video recorders, cameras, laser pointers, large electronics, outside food or beverages, large bags/backpacks and weapons.
▪ Attendees can bring non-clear handbags smaller than 4.5 x 6.5 inches, about the size of a small clutch purse. Clear bags smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are also allowed.
“Get here as early as possible. There’s tons of people coming to support our guy [Trump] especially after he got shot,” Brendel said. “It’s July. It’s going to be hot and you’re waiting a long time so bring food too. Honestly though, just enjoy your time.”
Rock Hill Herald reporter Andrew Dys contributed to this story.
This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
