ATLANTA — The assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump has led to a ramping up of security measures across the U.S. political landscape. The director of the Secret Service revealed on Monday that security has been strengthened ahead of the Republican National Convention.
The political rally that former President Trump spoke at in Pennsylvania over the weekend was not so different from the many rallies he has held in Georgia.
Former law enforcement and Marine Corp. veteran Joshua Byrd is familiar with Trump's rallies in Georgia.
“We're communicating with that particular individual and the entire support team to make sure they’re safe," said Byrd.
Byrd, who works for Hawque Protection Group, alongside former members of local police departments, says they have been behind some of the planning and coordinating of security for recent high-profile political events in Georgia.
“We have a very decorated core team and others who have worked with very high level in the United States Government," added Byrd.
Byrd says Hawque Protection Group most recently provided security measures for the GOP convention in Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, the group has provided security for recent visits from Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump over the last few years.
"We’re looking for what’s normal and what’s abnormal, so on the day of the event, we know if something looks off," explained Byrd.
Byrd shared that their security group has received multiple inquiries from political groups for their services since this weekend's events.
"I don’t think that this is the end of these type rallies, and I don’t think this is the end of people wanting to do harm," said Byrd.