After a reported shooting scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the first test is not who can yell “assassination” first. It is who can prove what happened.
My first response was doubt, suspicion, and then fury. Your reporting just gave my reaction time to breathe and settle. I do not trust this administration. They would and could and already have made choices to delegitimize the effectiveness of law enforcement at all levels. They seem to enjoy manufacturing spectacle that inspires fear and uncertainty. And they will stop at nothing to control the free press. Ok. I’ll pay attention because it is absolutely the only responsible stance. But it’s all just so convenient, for Trump.
I don't trust the current regime to report this accurately, so to wait for the Secret Service to confirm or deny or explain doesn't work for me. They controlled the narrative on the Butler, Penn., shooting, and that one still befuddles. As the adapted joke goes, How can you tell when these guys are lying? Their lips are moving.
Interesting that this 'incident' took place at a press event! I only wonder if this will be another gunman easily apprehended, caught or killed like a few other 'nearby dt shootings', and then when facts start to coalesce, the news is shuttered or silent because by then it has done its work, in supporting the dt&co narrative? I wish reporting were more in line with this sort of line -by- line care. It is out there and mostly with careful writers that I read here on Substack, however like fast food, most of the population feeds on the junk that is sensational or what validates their opinions. The problem with the authoritarian state, they work on making sure nobody or noone can be trusted, and then news can be whatever they wish to perpetuate. We cannot let this grow. So thank you for this.
You are right about the framing; it is a security incident not an assassination attempt and indicates failures on multiple layers. First, physical security - or securing the physical location of the event. The entire venue was or should have been secured on multiple layers; think securing possible entry/exit locations, interior spaces and the perimeter. A thorough understanding of the layout of the building and a risk analysis of potential vulnerabilities should have been conducted. The second is force protection - A show of force as a deterrent and a response; think guns, guards, and dogs. Another risk assessment of force protection with mitigating strategies for vulnerabilities. The third is operations security - this is where I think the most egregious lapse was; everyone, or almost everyone in the line of succession was present, and in ONE ROOM, which was totally unnecessary. That should not happen at events such as this, and normally there are Continuity of Government plans enacted for all gatherings that include Disaster Recovery Operations. I would also include intelligence gathering before, during, and after the event. But oh wait, many of those intel/cyber/physical security folks were fired and new managers are still learning how agencies supposed to operate.
Responsible and intelligent analysis. Thank you.
Really important sane, calm reporting and careful analysis. Wish more reporting was this responsible.
Well said X.
Thx Pasqual
You’re welcome brotha.
Thanks for this excellent analysis. I look forward to reading more in the morning.
yw.
My first response was doubt, suspicion, and then fury. Your reporting just gave my reaction time to breathe and settle. I do not trust this administration. They would and could and already have made choices to delegitimize the effectiveness of law enforcement at all levels. They seem to enjoy manufacturing spectacle that inspires fear and uncertainty. And they will stop at nothing to control the free press. Ok. I’ll pay attention because it is absolutely the only responsible stance. But it’s all just so convenient, for Trump.
I don't trust the current regime to report this accurately, so to wait for the Secret Service to confirm or deny or explain doesn't work for me. They controlled the narrative on the Butler, Penn., shooting, and that one still befuddles. As the adapted joke goes, How can you tell when these guys are lying? Their lips are moving.
I particularly appreciate the analysis of language and consideration of how to discuss this responsibly
Thanks for this breakdown, Sarge. I have a lot of questions about this.
Amen, Sister.
Interesting that this 'incident' took place at a press event! I only wonder if this will be another gunman easily apprehended, caught or killed like a few other 'nearby dt shootings', and then when facts start to coalesce, the news is shuttered or silent because by then it has done its work, in supporting the dt&co narrative? I wish reporting were more in line with this sort of line -by- line care. It is out there and mostly with careful writers that I read here on Substack, however like fast food, most of the population feeds on the junk that is sensational or what validates their opinions. The problem with the authoritarian state, they work on making sure nobody or noone can be trusted, and then news can be whatever they wish to perpetuate. We cannot let this grow. So thank you for this.
I excellent fact-based reporting! Thank you!
You are right about the framing; it is a security incident not an assassination attempt and indicates failures on multiple layers. First, physical security - or securing the physical location of the event. The entire venue was or should have been secured on multiple layers; think securing possible entry/exit locations, interior spaces and the perimeter. A thorough understanding of the layout of the building and a risk analysis of potential vulnerabilities should have been conducted. The second is force protection - A show of force as a deterrent and a response; think guns, guards, and dogs. Another risk assessment of force protection with mitigating strategies for vulnerabilities. The third is operations security - this is where I think the most egregious lapse was; everyone, or almost everyone in the line of succession was present, and in ONE ROOM, which was totally unnecessary. That should not happen at events such as this, and normally there are Continuity of Government plans enacted for all gatherings that include Disaster Recovery Operations. I would also include intelligence gathering before, during, and after the event. But oh wait, many of those intel/cyber/physical security folks were fired and new managers are still learning how agencies supposed to operate.
Bravo Johan! Perfect example of true investigative reporting. I do so look forward to your treatises. As always, keep on Keeping on!!
Dammit! Missed again.😠😠😠😠😠