DONALD Trump’s State Visit this week will be one of the UK’s biggest security operations — after ally Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked fears of copycat political violence.
A round-the-clock operation will see Windsor Castle policed from the sky by 55 drones — in a security campaign to rival even the King’s Coronation two years ago.
EPADonald Trump’s State Visit this week will be one of the UK’s biggest security operations[/caption]
ReutersCharlie Kirk’s assassination sparked fears of copycat political violence[/caption]
GettyTroops take part in a rehearsal for the Guard of Honour[/caption]
His Majesty is to host the US President and First Lady Melania for two days, during which time they will be given a ceremonial welcome and State Banquet after arriving on Tuesday.
Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said the biggest risk to Mr Trump is likely from a close-quarters attack rather than a sniper — but stressed every possibility has to be guarded against.
He stressed even a drone carrying a bomb is a possibility.
Mr Phillips added: “We don’t have a gun culture, but there are firearms here. Flags will be used to block high points to stop a sniper attack like the one on Charlie Kirk and the assassination attempt on Mr Trump himself last year.
“Drones present a new risk and police will have anti-drone guns in case of one being used for a bomb attack. This President is disliked by so many people, there are bound to be demonstrations against him and that will create an extra difficulty for police. Make no mistake, the threat against Mr Trump is very real. The threat of assassination will be lower in the UK, but there is still a threat.”
Yesterday, cops were seen searching drains close to Windsor Castle and barricades were erected along the Long Walk in preparation of Mr Trump’s arrival. Signs were put up banning drones.
Windsor’s streets are lined with Stars and Stripes flags and Union Jacks in a show of unity.
The trip is Mr Trump’s second State Visit to the UK — an unprecedented gesture.
But it comes after US conservative activist Mr Kirk, 31, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University last week.
Mr Trump, who said he was “filled with grief and anger” at his friend’s killing, will attend his funeral on September 21.
Murder suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held in custody, with his motive still publicly unknown.
The President has already faced two assassination attempts in the US and will bring his own armoured limousine called “The Beast”, as well as helicopters and a motorcade.
For Mr Trump’s first State Visit in 2019, it was estimated he brought 1,000 staff, including 150 secret service agents.
Thousands protested against him in London then, and more demonstrations are expected this time.
As a result, the first day of his trip will be entirely behind closed doors.
Police operational firearms commander Daniel Hatfield said: “We have considered anything from a low to a high-threat incident, and it’s a very comprehensive security operation as a result.”
Doug SeeburgDrains are searched before the arrival of the US President[/caption]
Doug SeeburgAnti-drone notices have been put up ahead of the arrival of Donald Trump[/caption]
Cops will also have access to gear to tackle any chemical, biological and radiological attacks.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the Trumps on Wednesday morning in the Windsor Estate grounds, and accompany them to meet the King and Queen for an open-air greeting.
Rehearsals took place at Wellington Barracks in London yesterday for the Guard of Honour to mark the US President’s arrival.
Mr Trump will see a fly-past by the Red Arrows and UK and US F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, and a Beating Retreat military ceremony.
The Trumps, the King and Queen, and William and Kate will then take part in a carriage procession through the estate to the castle, but not through the town.
Doug SeeburgBarricades were erected along the Long Walk in preparation of Mr Trump’s arrival[/caption]
Doug SeeburgThe long Walk at Windsor has been fenced off[/caption]
Doug SeeburgWindsor’s streets are lined with Stars and Stripes flags and Union Jacks in a show of unity[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
