Trump Shooting and Magnetometers

A magnetometer is a device that measures magnetic field or magnetic dipole moment.

SubMatts readers will be aware that magnetometers for submarine detection have been in action against submarines all the way back to 1918 being developed earlier in 1915. 

Magnetometers (more commonly called "metal detectors" in those modes) can do many other things including detecting the metal in bombs, guns and knives.

Article

J. Stass Haught for New Jersey (dot) com on July 13, 2024 reported:

How a gun at Trump rally would be found

In the wake of a shocking incident at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was shot, people are wondering about the security measures in place at such events. 

One critical component of event security that has gained attention is the magnetometer, used to look for guns and weapons at the rally.

What is a magnetometer?

A magnetometer is a device used to detect magnetic fields. It plays a crucial role in security settings by identifying metallic objects carried by people entering secure areas, such as public events, airports, and government buildings. 

At political rallies and public gatherings, magnetometers are used as part of the massive security protocols, to screen attendees before entry.

How does a magnetometer work?

Magnetometers operate by sensing disruptions in magnetic fields caused by metallic objects. When a person passes through a magnetometer, it alerts security personnel to the presence of such objects. This allows for immediate action to prevent potential harm and maintain a secure environment.

Most people would recognize magnetometers from [US Transportation Security Administration] TSA checkpoints, but they can also be wands, hand-held detectors and larger archway style scanners.

Pete Comment/Background

Where this is going is that CNN reported on July 15 that the attempted assassin ("shooter") "was spotted by local [police] who thought he might’ve been acting suspiciously near the event magnetometers on [on July 13, 2024 - the day of the shooting], according to a senior [policeman]. They put it out over their radio to keep an eye on him – and that information was passed to Secret Service as well, according to the source."

It appears the shooter seeing the magnetometers stopped before he got into the security perimeter covered by those magnetometers because the unusually high amount of metal in his rifle would have been detected. 

The shooter turned back and climbed (or gained entry) to the roof of a nearby building. The Butler township policemen that saw him could not safely get on that roof. Then the shooter fired the shots.

It appears there just wasn't time using radio messages for the police and the Secret Service to react effectively before the bullet hit Trump's ear. 

In 20/20 hindsight perhaps the police who saw the armed shooter should have fired warning shots (to alert everyone) before the shooter could fire his shots. Or could the Secret Service sniper(s), who eventually killed the shooter, have acted more quickly?