How the Secret Service has changed their strategy for 2nd Trump rally in Butler, PA after assassination attempt

Ahead of the second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, changes for better security by the US Secret Service (USSS) have been made. The changes are an attempt to not have a repeat of July 13, when Trump was shot in a failed assassination attempt.

Since the July 13 rally and a second assassination attempt on the GOP nominee since then, USSS has been roundly criticized for not being prepared to protect those under their responsibility. Ahead of the second Butler rally on Saturday, USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, "Since the attempted assassination of former President Trump on July 13, the U.S. Secret Service has made comprehensive changes and enhancements to our communications capabilities, resourcing, and protective operations."

"Today, the former President is receiving heightened protection and we take the responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously," he added, per CBS News. One of the main points of concern at the July Butler rally was the lack of coordinated communication between USSS and local police units, with radio communications being siloed between the state and federal authorities.

However, this time around, the outlet reported, USSS and local authorities have been planning for the event roughly two weeks in advance with an in-person meeting that took place earlier this week on Monday. There will also be additional security personnel as well as more local police present at the rally, which is expected to be much larger. Authorities are expecting 25,000 to 30,000 supporters to show up.

In addition to this, and unlike the first rally, there will be a unified command post with local authorities as well as USSS agents. Bulletproof glass and large vehicles have also been set up around the perimeter, the outlet reported. 

Drones, which were absent in the different security measures from last time due to technical difficulties, will be also used to track movement on the ground during Saturday's rally. There have been enhanced sniper teams set up, and some will be placed on the "sloped roof" that Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to climb onto to take several shots at Trump on July 13, per the outlet.

The Daily Mail's Charlie Spiering also reported that this time around, a wall of shipping containers has been built to prevent a line of sight on Trump from outside the perimeter of the rally.