A senior official who was informed of the planning reportedly confirmed that the venue for former President Trump’s Saturday campaign rally in Wisconsin was relocated due to concerns regarding the staffing levels of the Secret Service.
Trump was initially expected to conduct his campaign event at an outdoor airport.
The senior official verified that his event was relocated to a smaller venue due to a shortage of Secret Service personnel. The event also occurred during the United Nations General Assembly.
“The agency was never configured to provide such an elevated level of protection for an increasing number of protectees. Our personnel and equipment are being pushed to their limits to sustain the current operational tempo,” a senior official remarked.
“This proposed Wisconsin event also took place during the United Nations General Assembly, where the Secret Service is responsible for the safety and security of over 140 world leaders amid a challenged global threat level,” the official continued.
The senior official also observed that Ronald Rowe, the interim U.S. Secret Service Director, has been advocating for a “paradigm shift.”
The event was slated to occur at the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center, according to an advisory on the Trump campaign website.
Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service, stated that the agency was unable to provide specifics regarding the resources allocated for the event.
“Former President Donald Trump is receiving heightened levels of U.S. Secret Service protection and our top priority is mitigating risks to ensure his continued safety at all times. Out of concern for operational security, we cannot provide specific details about resources allocated for event security or communications between agency personnel and our protectees.” Guglielmi said.
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