Threat assessment specialist: Securing outdoor venues a challenge

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – It’s the job of local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and Special Emergency Response Teams to safeguard U.S. presidents visiting Cambria and Somerset counties.

Whether it’s President Joe Biden or former President George W. Bush touring the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, local law enforcement partner with Pennsylvania State Police and the U.S. Secret Service to protect visiting dignitaries.

Security was tested on Oct. 13, 2020, when 20-year-old Angello C. Agnew, of Washington County, slipped into a Donald Trump rally at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Richland Township.

On that day, more than 6,000 people attended the “Make America Great Again” campaign rally.

“While the rally was going on and Air Force One was landing, (Agnew) trespassed onto airport property, snuck in through the fence line and into the woods bypassing security,” Richland police Detective Kevin Gaudlip said.

Gaudlip

Richland Township police Detective Kevin Gaudlip is shown in a Tribune-Democrat file photo.

Trump was preparing to take the stage when security spotted the man carrying a backpack near the woods and Agnew was arrested, Gaudlip said.

Police searched the man’s vehicle and backpack.

“We didn’t know if he had any weapons or explosives,” Gaudlip said.

No weapons or explosives were found. The man told police that he was a Trump supporter who did not have an admission ticket, so he tried to sneak in, Gaudlip said.

Securing outdoor venues poses challenges for law enforcement, said Bob Haddad, of Windber, a threat assessment specialist for Tactical Threat Solutions in Windber

Trump fans

Fans cheer on President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again campaign rally at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, Oct.13, 2020.

“The challenge is ensuring enough law enforcement and public service agencies are available for the size and type of venue,” Haddad said. “Also, a good working cooperative between federal, state and local agencies, which include fire and EMS.”

Cambria County Sheriff Donald Robinson said coordination between departments keeps rally-goers safe.

“We worked side by side with the Secret Service,” Robinson said.

“There were guys everywhere.”

Secret Service agents screened visitors with metal detectors. Confiscated items are passed to local police.

Confiscated items included knives and a key chain with a bullet, Robinson said.

“People don’t realize they’re carrying things they shouldn’t be,” Gaudlip said. “It’s very limited in what they’re permitted to carry.”

President Trump

President Donald Trump speaks to a large crowd during a Make America Great Again campaign rally at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, Oct.13, 2020.

Visitors attending outdoor events need good situational awareness, Haddad said.

“Pay attention to the things around you,” he said. “Know the exits or ways out of the event. This works for any event indoor or outdoor.”