Politics

Modi Government Alerts States and CAPF on VVIP Security Following Near-Fatal Shooting of Donald Trump: Report

In response to the recent attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump, the central government reportedly sent a directive to director generals of states, union territories, and paramilitary forces to strengthen security measures for “high-risk dignitaries”. As per The Indian Express, the guideline emphasized the importance of heightened awareness and safeguarding, especially during public gatherings like demonstrations, road shows, and corner meetings. On July 13, while speaking at a campaign rally close to Pennsylvania, Trump escaped an attempted murder. The attacker, a 20-year-old guy, hit Trump in the right ear with eight shots fired from a rooftop AR-15-style rifle. The central government, in a letter on July 16, mentioned seven recent attempts at assassinations, highlighting a concerning trend that includes this occurrence.

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was shot and killed in a small public gathering on July 8, 2022. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was shot and injured during a road march on November 3, 2022. VP of Argentina, Christina Fernandez, narrowly avoided an assassination attempt on September 1, 2022, when a man unsuccessfully tried to shoot her with a loaded pistol. Other recent events include the attempted assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 15, 2023, when a smoke bomb was thrown from a crowd at him, and the August 9 shooting death of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia, was shot on May 15 during a public engagement.

In addition to the critical function of personal security officers (PSOs), the central government’s mandate identifies three areas for improvement: technical surveillance, physical security measures, and contingency exercises. Tight entry control at locations, thorough inspections of individuals and items, and making sure that no one other than authorized personnel is in the immediate vicinity of the dignitary are examples of physical security procedures. Security guards should be stationed to guard the area while venues undergo comprehensive physical, visual, and technical inspections. Features found on high-rise buildings and other viewpoints that provide dignitaries with unobstructed views should be cleaned and managed.

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The administration also emphasized how crucial it is to be ready for any eventuality. According to the research, drills should be designed and practiced to guarantee quick evacuation to a safe area or hospital, neutralize threats quickly, and offer instant cover to the dignitaries. PSOs should always be on the lookout for any threatening action, position themselves to have a 360-degree view of the area, and respond promptly.