Many are rightly questioning the massive security failure that allowed a shooter to position himself on a roof less than 150 yards from where former President Trump was speaking at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally on Saturday. The incident raises questions about what his campaigning will look like going forward. While he’s been defiant in statements, it remains to be seen whether he will insist on continuing his signature outdoor rallies in rural America or if his campaign and Secret Service will successfully counsel him against opening himself up to further risks. The questions about security are especially pertinent as tens of thousands are descending on Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Convention this week.
Asked about the shooting and how it will affect the RNC's plans, Chairman Michael Whatley told Fox News Sunday they feel good about the security situation.
“In terms of the physical sense of the arena set, the security is here, and we feel very comfortable that we’re working with the Secret Service; we’re working with 40 different law enforcement agencies in terms of what that security is going to look like," he said.
“And this is going to be a facility, where we’re going to be able to have 50,000 delegates and alternates and guests and members of the media, who are going to be here and… who are going to be safe,” Whatley continued. “That’s very critical for us. Look our business is critically important for the process, right?”
While the schedule will remain largely as planned, Whatley said the "mood" will likely be impacted by Saturday's events.
“I think unity is obviously very important. I think strength is obviously very important, but right now, this morning, I think politics is secondary,” Whaltey said. “I think right now we need to be praying for these families that have been affected, I think we need to be grateful that President Trump is alive and is actually going to be there.”