GREENSBORO, N.C. — Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear Saturday afternoon at a rally in Pennsylvania. Two local sheriffs tell WFMY that the assassination attempt on former President Trump is sending shockwaves through law enforcement.**
"What have we come to in America where we resort to violence? I was saddened by that regardless of what your affiliation may be," said Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough with Forsyth County. Kimbrough is a former DEA agent and has been sheriff of Forsyth County since 2018.
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who worked on President Trump’s campaign in 2020, agreed.
"Very shocking. You know we're in the middle of the campaign season and to see this happen. Say a big prayer for former President Trump for a speedy recovery," Page said.
Both sheriffs say everyone working security for high-profile events is prepared to jump in at any moment. There are several levels of preparation, from Secret Service to advanced planning teams, day-of security, and post-event sweeps.
"Anybody that has done it at that level, any type of high-level, high-speed dignitary protection, you know that it's a business where you've got to be willing to, as we say, 'give up the ghost,’” Kimbrough said. “In other words, give up your life to save someone else's life. That's a whole other mindset in order to perform like that."
Even with those thorough setups, the threat always exists, especially if a shooter sets up outside of the event.
"We know that they use magnetometers, anybody who comes in with no weapons is checked," Page said. "I mean, we've gone in and been thoroughly checked. The problem you have to worry about is an offsite shooter."
Sheriff Page started his career as a law enforcement officer with the Air Force. He has been sheriff of Rockingham County since 1998.
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