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<h2>Introduction to High-Profile Assassinations</h2>In contemporary times, the ongoing threats on high-profile assassinations have increased significantly. But this is not something new. When we sit down and brainstorm on what potential threats could arise related to our field, one of the tools we turn to is historic data. High profile assassination can incorporate professional planning whilst some are less professional. We have witnessed assassinations include long range rifles by professional shooters, Improvised Explosive Devices done by either ex-military personnel or individuals surfing the dark web to gain knowledge on such modus operandi.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-rg064oljimg7z88yb"><img id="rg064oljimg7z88yb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37BQhDbQ5R8b1QewuLvzq5EWPaQn9SdNltDrKBFG2WW0Wpk40P0oMen95FMCHiEY.jpeg" alt="time bomb constructed on table" title="time bomb constructed on table" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37BQhDbQ5R8b1QewuLvzq5EWPaQn9SdNltDrKBFG2WW0Wpk40P0oMen95FMCHiEY.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The failed assassination on President Trump</h2>On 13 July 2024, at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, a shooter fired on the stage from a nearby rooftop using an AR-15–style rifle from roughly 120–150 yards (about 400 feet) away. The assailant fired multiple rounds; one bullet grazed former President Donald Trump’s upper right ear, several attendees were wounded and one attendee was killed, and the shooter was fatally shot by a Secret Service counter-sniper at the scene. After this attempt, security services rushed to shield the president and swiftly escort him to the vehicle which rushed to the hospital for immediate care.&nbsp; <img id="yu97ar5uawmg7z8kwj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22hY5AL8UKA0jlZUMkrbpSEU4EMtnVVxhFGz5RgCpuRWAnotIhqWJmm9XViTBjWL.jpg" alt="threat analysis" title="threat analysis" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22hY5AL8UKA0jlZUMkrbpSEU4EMtnVVxhFGz5RgCpuRWAnotIhqWJmm9XViTBjWL.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><h3>Charlie Kirk Assassination&nbsp;</h3>On July 13th President Donald Trump experienced an attempted assassination to end his life.The mode of attack was a person with a long range weapon, calmly adjusting his position on a high position (a roof of a building) were he took his shot, luckily the president survived.Fast forward to the 10th September 2025, whilst Charlie Kirk was making his speech about mass shooting at the University Valley of Utah a shooter fired a shot from approximately 150meters away which hit Charlie in neck, ending his life. The weapon was identified as Mauser model 98 bolt action rifle, capable enough to hit a target from a long distance.&nbsp;The shooter, 22, Tyler Robinson was behind the assassination, were he positioned himself on a nearby roof, calmly taking his position, adjust his aim, and finally firing a single shot, which was a success. This sparked tensions amongst people attending the speech.Credits: The telegraph<figure id="figure-44bamy42gmg98mgog"><img id="44bamy42gmg98mgog" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bJw4ocKHAmH6NpiwzyQ6mPYCXeLTRAU22DuliROQbGGyRijwuDh3lEQ3pdoU4ow8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bJw4ocKHAmH6NpiwzyQ6mPYCXeLTRAU22DuliROQbGGyRijwuDh3lEQ3pdoU4ow8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Catching the perpetrator</h2>After the shooting, there was a lot of tension and confusion amongst people who attended the Kirk's speech.Immediatley security entities rushed in trying to catch the perpetrator. An old man was taken into custody as it was thought that he was the mastermind behind the assassination. After investigations from law enforcers, it was resulted that the man in custody was not the person of interest. This has led to a more complex manhunt by the FBI and local law enforcers. The main smoking gun for law enforcers were CCTV recordings covering the surroundings of the University. Recordings have showed a male suspect fleeing from the roof of a building, dropping of a height to the ground, and fleeing away from the scene. Investigators have tracked his trail, which later showed the same person limping (because of the drop). Law enforcers than decided to publicly share a photo captured from CCTV of the main suspect.&nbsp;This have led that the suspect's father (former law enforcer himself) have turned his son Tyler Robinson to the police for further investigations, which resulted that Robinson himself was the man behind the attack.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-muzo08nde8mg7za88i"><img id="muzo08nde8mg7za88i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34kFlFfqt2UHajj2Jhb0o40f2PJEqqtKOW76xe79De5mGJQNDoCmF8t5FDVah06r.jpg" alt="government security" title="government security" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34kFlFfqt2UHajj2Jhb0o40f2PJEqqtKOW76xe79De5mGJQNDoCmF8t5FDVah06r.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>How could have things been mitigated.&nbsp;</h3>On July 13th President Donald Trump experienced an attempted assassination to end his life.The mode of attack was a person with a long range weapon, calmly adjusting his position on a high position (a roof of a building) were he took his shot, luckily the president survived.Fast forward to the 10th September 2025, another shooter again calmly took his position from approximately 90 meters away on a building and took his shot. Unfortunately this time he succeeded, and ended the life of Charlie Kirk.This modus operandi was not something new for the United States, how come security neglected the surrounding roof tops? How come there were no security patroling and surveiling the area? This could have been avoided.Risk management - Risk have to be considered in every step of the process, in everything. It has to be culturally infused in organisations whenever a decision is going to be taken. When considering potential risks, one of the tools that can be used to identify potential risks, is historical data. Hence, why, in the case of Charlie Kirk, there are multiple historic data showing previous Political assassinations, data showing the modus operandi (long range weapon shooting), perpetrators executing their plan from roofs. From there, we can identify what could potentially happen in the future and exercise measures and controls to mitigate such risks.&nbsp;So, what could have been done to prevent Charlie Kirks's assassination?Using Drone technology for arial footage&nbsp;Drones can be considered as a useful kit to surveil surroundings, in this case ongoing drone footage could have been used to continuously surveil rooftops, which could have identified beforehand suspicious activities.&nbsp;Security roaming the perimeter&nbsp;Physical security patrolling the area is paramount. Not only patrolling the area serves as a form of deterrence, but properly trained security guards, can detect suspicious behaviour, and moreover, trained security guards would know critical areas to patrol to prevent catastrophies. Patrolling outside areas, rooftops, and can even engage with the public for any suspicious activities or behaviours.Law enforcement snipersWhen you have a politically exposed person or a VIP engaging in activities in urban areas, it is paramount to have law enforcement snipers on rooftops to cover the surrounding areas for any potential perpetrators. Such snipers could detect any suspicious behaviour from a distance.&nbsp;Risk Based DecisionsFrom a security perspective, political assassinations demonstrate why risk-based decision making is essential. Public figures often operate in unpredictable environments where threats range from lone actors to coordinated attacks. By assessing likelihood and impact—rather than reacting on instinct or assumption—security teams can allocate resources where they matter most: securing vulnerable perimeters, monitoring high-risk zones, and deploying surveillance or patrols strategically. This structured approach ensures that protective measures are proportionate, resilient, and adaptable, reducing the chance of preventable tragedies while maintaining operational continuity and public confidence.

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Hand using Key card;access control concept

<h2>Understanding Physical Security</h2>Physical security is a critical component of any comprehensive security strategy. It involves implementing measures to protect people, property, and assets from physical threats such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. The role of physical security must be taken as seriously as digital security. This is because physical security is the first layer of defence in protecting digital security.Effective physical security requires a thorough understanding of your assets, facility layout, third-party facilities, crime patterns, and more. Moreover, there is a need for well-trained guards who understand what they are protecting and from whom (the threats and risks) for security to be well integrated.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-z00sk43tesmdvgdz0d" class=""><img id="z00sk43tesmdvgdz0d" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/20xOwZN58upkEhpTUksnrA903CaH7zYwcfMHF5iMf5X6kN8K5VbDQujQKOe2eSnB.jpeg" alt="physical security" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/20xOwZN58upkEhpTUksnrA903CaH7zYwcfMHF5iMf5X6kN8K5VbDQujQKOe2eSnB.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Components of Physical Security</h3>Physical security encompasses several layers of protection, each designed to deter, detect, and respond to unauthorized access or potential threats. These components include:<ul><li>Access Control: The implementation of devices to filter authorised and unauthorised personnel. The implementation of training for security guards to identify copy-cats and suspicious behaviours.</li></ul> <ul><li>Surveillance: Utilizing CCTV cameras and motion sensors to monitor activity and provide real-time alerts to security personnel. Also, it is advised the implement natural human beings patrolling the facility to identify suspicious activities.&nbsp;</li></ul> <ul><li>Security Personnel: Employing trained guards to oversee security measures and respond to incidents as they occur.</li></ul>Each component plays a pivotal role in creating a secure environment. By integrating these elements, businesses can establish a robust defense against potential threats.<h2>The Role of Technology in Physical Security</h2>Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we approach physical security. Modern systems are more sophisticated, offering enhanced capabilities such as facial recognition and remote monitoring. These technologies allow for improved accuracy in threat detection and faster response times.Moreover, integrating technology with traditional security measures can provide a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding people and assets. For instance, smart locks and IoT devices can be used to automate access control, ensuring that facilities remain secure even when human oversight is limited.<figure id="figure-4c6t3kdv56mdvgeaxp"><img id="4c6t3kdv56mdvgeaxp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32rX0NtixZvbA4soWoqVRJAi0nZVgd3MGThb2Z6snfewVxUcPFYQIodM9XPzkNHj.jpeg" alt="security technology" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32rX0NtixZvbA4soWoqVRJAi0nZVgd3MGThb2Z6snfewVxUcPFYQIodM9XPzkNHj.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Human Factor</h3>Whilst having a robust and state-of-the-art security system, it is in vain if there is a missing element of human beings. A security system must always be operated by humans. It is in vain to have a CCTV system if no one is monitoring in a control room. Many crimes have occurred because there was no one monitoring CCTV, hence CCTV was only serving as a deterrence; if there had been the presence of human monitoring, a swift response could have been made and eliminated the crime in facilities.Having said that, technology alone can never be your sole security provider; the integration with well-trained guards will always be your best combination.&nbsp;<h2>Protecting Assets</h2>Beyond protecting people, physical security is crucial for safeguarding assets. This includes everything from valuable machinery and inventory to sensitive data stored within company premises. The loss or damage of these assets can have a significant impact on an organization's operations, reputation and financial stability.Implementing robust and tailored security measures ensures that businesses can continue operating without fear of unforeseen disruptions due to theft or damage. It also fosters trust among clients and partners who rely on the organization's ability to protect their interests.<figure id="figure-8qn6pxfwv2mdvgeigz"><img id="8qn6pxfwv2mdvgeigz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/0yhdGAFMrnPaWmaToeVFPNtuSzYmDstts5sJVIUfjQ3FtUNKH1DzN5Z2Bf5LVaYa.jpeg" alt="asset protection" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/0yhdGAFMrnPaWmaToeVFPNtuSzYmDstts5sJVIUfjQ3FtUNKH1DzN5Z2Bf5LVaYa.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>A Proactive Approach</h3>An effective physical security strategy is proactive rather than reactive. Regular risk and security assessments can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited. By staying ahead of potential threats, organizations can adapt their security measures as needed, ensuring ongoing protection.Ultimately, investing in physical security is an investment in the safety and success of an organization. Whether it's protecting people, property, or data, the importance of a comprehensive physical security strategy cannot be overstated.

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The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Physical security and why does it matter