The central government has reportedly issued a directive to Director Generals of states, union territories, and paramilitary forces to enhance security measures for “high-risk dignitaries” in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. The directive stressed the need for increased vigilance and protection, particularly during public events such as rallies, corner meetings, and roadshows.
The directives from the central government outline three key areas for security improvement: physical security measures, technical surveillance, and contingency drills, along with the crucial role of personal security officers (PSOs).
Physical security measures include stringent access control at venues, comprehensive checks of men and materials, and ensuring that only authorised personnel are in the proximate area of the dignitary. Venues should undergo thorough physical, visual, and technical inspections, with security personnel deployed to secure the area. High-rise features and other vantage points offering direct lines of sight to the dignitary should be sanitized and controlled.
“Former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, was fatally shot on July 8, 2022, from close quarters by an individual using a homemade shotgun while addressing a corner public meeting. During a road march, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was fired upon on November 3, 2022, and reportedly suffered a bullet injury. Vice-President of Argentina, Christina Fernandez, escaped an assassination bid on September 1, 2022, as a man unsuccessfully tried to fire a loaded pistol close to her head,” informed an official after the Centre’s internal security division communication.
The Move Comes After Trump Assassination
Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13 while addressing a campaign rally near Pennsylvania. The assailant, a 20-year-old man, fired eight rounds with an AR-15–style rifle from a rooftop, wounding Trump in his right ear. This incident is part of a worrying trend highlighted by the central government, which cited seven recent assassination attempts in its communication on July 16.
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