Loading...
July 16, 2024 • 1hr 4min
#811 - Tim Kennedy - Emergency Episode: Special Forces Sniper Explains Trump Shooting
Modern Wisdom
In this emergency episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson speaks with Tim Kennedy, a Green Beret and Special Forces sniper, about the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Kennedy provides his expert analysis on the security failures that enabled the attempt, the response by Secret Service agents, and the broader implications for Trump's safety and the upcoming election.
#811 - Tim Kennedy - Emergency Episode: Special Forces Sniper Explains Trump Shooting
0:00
-0:00
Key Takeaways
- The assassination attempt on former President Trump was enabled by multiple failures in security protocols, personnel, and procedures by the Secret Service and other agencies responsible for his protection
- There were major issues with the security perimeter, threat assessment, and response to the shooter, who was able to access a rooftop only 151 yards from Trump
- The quality and competence of Secret Service agents has declined in recent years, potentially due to diversity hiring initiatives prioritized over capability
- Trump displayed remarkable composure and toughness in his response to being shot at, continuing to address the crowd despite bleeding
- There are serious concerns about the investigation into the assassination attempt, given it is being conducted by agencies seen as politically opposed to Trump
- To ensure his safety through the election, Trump may need to bring in private security rather than relying solely on government protection
Introduction
In this emergency episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson speaks with Tim Kennedy, a Green Beret and Special Forces sniper, about the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Kennedy provides his expert analysis on the security failures that enabled the attempt, the response by Secret Service agents, and the broader implications for Trump's safety and the upcoming election.
Topics Discussed
Overview of the Assassination Attempt (0:35)
Kennedy begins by explaining that the assassination attempt was likely enabled by a combination of incompetence and potentially malicious intent within the agencies responsible for protecting Trump. He emphasizes that to understand how this happened, we need to look back at changes in personnel selection, training, and procedures over the past three years.
- There have been organizational changes in the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security that have impacted their effectiveness
- Issues with personnel selection, training, and labor force quality have degraded the capabilities of protective details
- The only reason Trump wasn't killed was "divine intervention or President Trump's luck" as he moved his head slightly at the last moment
Analysis of the Shooter's Position and Sniper Response (18:23)
Kennedy provides a detailed breakdown of the shooter's position on a rooftop about 151 yards from Trump, and analyzes the response of the Secret Service counter-sniper team.
- The building the shooter accessed should have been identified as a major threat in advance security surveys
- At 151 yards, this was an easy shot that "every single Texas kid" could make
- The counter-sniper team seemed to hesitate in responding, potentially due to concerns about liability in using lethal force
- There were major failures in perimeter security allowing the shooter to access the roof undetected
Issues with Secret Service Personnel and Procedures (35:08)
Kennedy is highly critical of the performance and apparent lack of capability of many of the Secret Service agents protecting Trump during and after the shooting.
- Some agents were seen cowering behind Trump rather than shielding him
- There were issues with agents' physical fitness and ability to effectively use their weapons
- "You're either capable of doing the job or you're not capable of doing the job" - agents should be selected solely on capability, not diversity metrics
- The exfiltration of Trump from the scene was disorganized and unprofessional
Diversity Initiatives and Lowered Standards (44:41)
Kennedy argues that diversity and inclusion initiatives in hiring have led to a decline in the overall quality and capability of Secret Service personnel.
- There has been a push to increase female recruitment in the Secret Service to 30% by 2030
- Physical fitness standards have been lowered by about 30% for female recruits
- Kennedy emphasizes this is about capability, not gender - "You can either do the job or you can't"
- He argues these policies have led to agents who are not physically capable of properly protecting their charges
Trump's Response to the Assassination Attempt (49:41)
Both Kennedy and Williamson express admiration for Trump's composure and toughness in the immediate aftermath of being shot at.
- Despite bleeding from a wound, Trump insisted on returning to the podium to address the crowd
- Williamson says this is "the first time I can say this because I'm British - it's the first time that I've looked at Trump as somebody who's genuinely admirable"
- Kennedy shares personal anecdotes portraying Trump in a positive light, saying "I'm glad that people got a snapshot of the guy that I know"
Concerns About the Investigation (1:00:05)
Kennedy expresses serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation into the assassination attempt.
- The FBI, which previously raided Trump's home, is leading the investigation
- There has been no accountability or firings of leadership in relevant agencies like DHS or Secret Service
- Kennedy believes the current administration has no incentive to properly investigate or improve security for Trump
Recommendations for Trump's Future Security (1:00:08)
Given the apparent failures of government agencies to protect Trump, Kennedy recommends bringing in private security.
- Kennedy suggests Trump should hire private security contractors like Erik Prince to supplement his protection
- He believes Trump needs enhanced security to "survive the next four months to the election and the next six months to the inauguration"
Advice for Viewers (1:02:46)
Kennedy concludes by encouraging viewers to look past partisan narratives and take action as citizens.
- He urges people to register to vote and participate in the upcoming election
- Kennedy emphasizes the importance of looking beyond Trump's public persona to understand the real person and issues at stake
Conclusion
This emergency episode provides a sobering analysis of the serious security failures that enabled an assassination attempt on a former U.S. president. Tim Kennedy's expertise as a Special Forces operator lends weight to his criticisms of the Secret Service's performance and his concerns about declining standards. The discussion also touches on the political implications of the attempt and investigation. Ultimately, Kennedy argues this incident reveals deep issues in the agencies responsible for protecting political leaders and urges viewers to look beyond partisan narratives as they consider the upcoming election.