Amid heightened security concerns, President Joe Biden has been advised by the Secret Service to refrain from entering crowds during political rallies.
Mediaite reported that following the shooting of former President Donald Trump, President Biden's security detail has tightened protocols, affecting his interaction with rally attendees.
Biden, known for his personable campaigning style, addressed the change during a rally in Pittsburgh.
Accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, he interacted with the crowd from the stage but did not venture into the mass of supporters as he previously might have.
“The Secret Service doesn’t let me,” Biden told reporters when asked why he no longer mingled directly with crowds.
His comments highlighted the new security measures now in place, which were prompted by the July 13 incident involving Donald Trump.
“Well, because they said it’s too dangerous. No one gets to go out,” he added, emphasizing the severity of the security concerns that have reshaped how presidential campaigns are conducted.
This development comes weeks after the shooting of Trump, an event that has triggered extensive investigations into the performance of the Secret Service.
The incident not only raised questions about the security of former presidents but also prompted a reevaluation of protection protocols for all high-ranking political figures.
During a brief interaction with the press upon returning to the White House, Biden expressed optimism about his campaign's prospects in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. “I feel real good about Pennsylvania. I think we’re going to win Pennsylvania,” he said confidently.
The questions from reporters also touched on a range of topics including the ongoing situation in Ukraine and Biden’s forthcoming conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, to which he responded, “Eventually.”
Despite the security constraints, Biden’s spirits about returning to the campaign trail were high.
“It feels good,” he remarked, showing his resilience and adaptability in the face of new campaigning conditions.
The alterations to how Biden can interact with rally attendees reflect a broader shift in the security landscape for U.S. political figures.
The measures, while restrictive, are deemed necessary by the Secret Service to ensure the safety of individuals and the public during these large gatherings.
The incident involving Trump has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over public political events, leading to increased precautions and a potential shift in how politicians engage with the public during campaigns.
