Assassination Attempt: Secret Service Breakdowns w/ Blackwater's Erik Prince | PBD Podcast | Ep. 439
In this episode of the PBD Podcast, Erik Prince, former founder of Blackwater, sharply criticizes the Secret Service over security failures at a recent rally where the president was endangered. Prince claims an armed assailant was able to approach the president unimpeded, nearly assassinating him due to agents' apparent confusion and inaction.
The discussion explores whether private military contractors like Blackwater could provide more proactive, decisive security than the Secret Service. Prince and host Patrick Bet-David also examine concerns that hiring practices prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives may be undermining the Secret Service's core competencies and mission effectiveness.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 15, 2024 episode of the PBD Podcast
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1-Page Summary
Security failures and incompetence of the Secret Service
Erik Prince harshly criticizes the Secret Service's apparent gross negligence during a recent rally where the president was endangered.
The Secret Service exhibited lack of preparedness in protecting the president
According to Prince, an armed assailant was able to get within 140 yards of President Trump at a rally, lay down, fire multiple shots, clip Trump's ear, and kill others in the crowd. Prince cites this as a failure, as agents around Trump seemed confused, taking cover behind the president rather than shielding him.
The Secret Service's flawed rules and protocols enabled the assailant
Prince criticizes the Secret Service's "no shoot first" rule, which allowed the assailant to take a firing position unimpeded. He associates their response to "grotesque malpractice" in Prince's view.
The role of PMCs in event security and protection
The topic of using private military contractors (PMCs) like Blackwater for event security is gaining attention, with Prince implying they could provide more effective service than the government-run Secret Service.
PMCs could provide more proactive, decisive security
According to Prince, PMCs can conduct more thorough advance work, have more willingness for decisive action, and can respond quicker than the seemingly bureaucratic Secret Service.
Using PMCs could drive needed competition and accountability
Prince argues the "unaccountable, overfunded" Secret Service needs outside pressure to improve. Contracting with PMCs could force the agency to raise its standards to remain premier.
The impact of DEI policies on the Secret Service
Prince and Patrick Bet-David raise concerns that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives may compromise the Secret Service's core mission.
DEI may distract from qualifications and competence
Bet-David questions the apparent lack of minority agents protecting President Biden, contrasting it with DEI principles. Prince criticizes inserting politics like race and gender into hiring, calling it a "distraction."
Meritocracy should prevail over DEI concerns
Prince and Bet-David assert merit and capability should dictate agent selection over demographic factors. Prince argues sacrificing the most capable for diversity quotas "undermines effectiveness." He advocates returning the focus to competence over identity.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Secret Service has a long history of effectively protecting presidents, and isolated incidents, while serious, may not represent systemic incompetence.
- Rules of engagement, such as a "no shoot first" policy, are often in place to prevent unnecessary violence and ensure the safety of bystanders, as well as to adhere to legal and ethical standards.
- PMCs operating domestically could raise legal and jurisdictional issues, and their integration with public security services might be complex and problematic.
- The Secret Service is subject to oversight and accountability through various government mechanisms, and competition with PMCs might not necessarily lead to improved outcomes.
- DEI initiatives aim to create a more inclusive and representative workforce, which can enhance the cultural competence and overall effectiveness of an organization.
- Merit and diversity are not mutually exclusive, and a diverse workforce can bring a range of perspectives and skills that enhance the performance of an organization, including the Secret Service.
Actionables
- You can evaluate your personal safety plans by conducting a self-audit to identify vulnerabilities. Start by listing all the security measures you currently have in place, such as locks, alarms, and emergency contacts. Then, critically assess each one for potential weaknesses, much like a professional security service would. For example, check if your door locks are easily pickable or if your social media posts are revealing too much information about your whereabouts.
- Consider diversifying your approach to problem-solving by inviting input from a variety of sources. Create a small, informal focus group with friends or colleagues from different backgrounds and ask for their perspectives on a challenge you're facing. This could be anything from planning a community event to improving your home security. The key is to focus on the merit of the ideas presented, rather than the background of the individuals, ensuring the most effective solutions rise to the top.
- You can foster a competitive spirit in your personal projects by setting up a reward system for achieving goals. For instance, if you're working on a fitness goal, you could challenge a friend to a friendly competition where the first person to reach a set milestone gets a reward, like a meal at a favorite restaurant. This not only introduces accountability but also encourages a proactive and decisive approach to personal improvement.
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Security failures and incompetence of the Secret Service
Erik Prince harshly criticizes the Secret Service for what he considers gross negligence during a recent rally where the president was endangered.
The Secret Service exhibited gross negligence and lack of preparedness in protecting the president during the recent rally
Erik Prince scrutinizes the Secret Service's response during the rally, where the president came under fire.
The fact that an armed assailant was able to get within 140 yards of the president, take aim, and fire multiple shots without being stopped demonstrates a complete failure of the Secret Service's basic security protocols
An armed man managed to position himself 140 yards away from President Trump at a rally, lay down, and fire multiple shots. This incident led to President Trump's ear being clipped, and others in the crowd were killed. Prince cites this as a clear failure of the Secret Service to perform its duty.
The Secret Service agents immediately around the president seemed confused and unsure of how to properly respond, with some even taking cover behind the president rather than shielding him
The Secret Service's immediate protective detail left the president exposed. They took cover behind him instead of shielding him and expressed confusion during the situation, with audio evidence showing agents asking, "What are we doing?" instead of following clear protocols.
The Secret Service's "no shoot first" rule and lack of proactive surveillance of potential threats allowed the assailant to get into a firing position unimpeded
Prince criticized the "no shoot first" rule, suggesting it was amazing and pathetic because it allowed the armed assailant to take a firing position without interference. He associated the Secret Service's response to the assassination attempt with "grotesque malpractice."
The Secret Service's abysmal performance is an embarrassment for the United States and a failure to fulfill their core mission
Prince views the incident as an acute embarrassment for America, comparing it to historical failures of diplomatic security.
The Secret Service's inability to learn from past incidents and improve their training and protocols is deeply concerning
Prince and Bet-David are troubled by the Secret Service's apparent lack ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Security failures and incompetence of the Secret Service
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Secret Service operates under extremely challenging conditions, and even with the best protocols, it is impossible to mitigate all risks.
- The "no shoot first" rule is in place to prevent unnecessary violence and potential harm to bystanders, and changing this policy could lead to more dangerous situations.
- The confusion among agents could be attributed to the chaotic nature of the situation, which can be difficult to manage despite rigorous training and protocols.
- The Secret Service has a history of adapting and improving their methods following incidents, and it is likely that they will conduct a thorough review and take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
- The incident, while serious, may not be indicative of systemic issues within the Secret Service but rather a rare lapse that will be addressed. ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety awareness by taking a basic self-defense class to understand how to react in emergency situations. Learning self-defense techniques can help you develop a mindset of preparedness and quick response, similar to what is expected of security personnel. For example, knowing how to assess your surroundings for potential threats or escape routes can be invaluable in a crisis.
- You can volunteer for community watch programs to practice vigilance and proactive surveillance in your neighborhood. This experience can give you a practical understanding of the importance of being alert and can improve your ability to spot unusual activities, akin to what should be done by professional security services. As a volunteer, you might learn to report suspicious behavior effectively, which can contribute to overall community safety.
- You can orga ...
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The role of PMCs in event security and protection
The topic of harnessing private military contractors (PMCs) such as Blackwater for event security and protection is seeing significant attention, with Erik Prince implying that these entities could potentially offer more effective service than the government-run Secret Service.
Private military contractors like Blackwater could provide more effective and proactive security than the government-run Secret Service
Prince spotlights the potential benefits of PMCs in security roles, asserting that they can conduct more thorough advance work, have more willingness to take decisive action, and can respond quicker to active threats compared to the Secret Service.
PMCs can be more flexible, nimble, and willing to take decisive action compared to the bureaucratic and risk-averse Secret Service
Private military contractors can operate with more agility and readiness to make quick decisions than a government entity like the Secret Service, which may struggle with red tape and risk-averse procedures. This flexibility can enable PMCs to rapidly adapt to changing security needs and circumstances at events.
PMCs can conduct more thorough advance work to identify and mitigate potential threats, unlike the Secret Service's apparent failures in this area
According to Prince, PMCs excel in advance work, which includes canvassing a location weeks in advance to spot potential threats and intelligently fortify against them. This systematic proactivity is contrasted with what Prince perceives as failures by the Secret Service to conduct equally effective threat assessments.
PMCs have the training and expertise to quickly respond to and neutralize active threats, which the Secret Service seemingly lacked in this case
Prince emphasizes on the superior training and preparedness of PMCs, advocating for simulation of high-pressure scenarios with high-velocity paint rounds and laser vests that impose significant pain on impact. Such realistic and intensive training might better prepare PMC personnel to deal with real-life threats rapidly and efficiently, an area where Prince suggests the Secret Service may lack.
The use of PMCs for executive protection could provide needed competition and accountability for the Secret Service
Introducing private entity competition for the Secret Service ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The role of PMCs in event security and protection
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- PMCs may not be as accountable to the public and government oversight as a federal agency like the Secret Service, potentially leading to issues with transparency and legal jurisdiction.
- The profit motive of PMCs could lead to cost-cutting measures that might compromise the quality of event security and protection.
- The integration of PMCs into high-profile security could create conflicts of interest, especially if they are also involved in other private security operations domestically or abroad.
- The Secret Service has a long history and institutional knowledge specific to the protection of government officials that PMCs may lack.
- The use of PMCs could lead to a reliance on private entities for national security functions, which may be seen as a governmental responsibility.
- The Secret Service's procedures and risk aversion are partly due to the need to balance security with the civil liberties and rights of citizens, a balance that PMCs may not prioritize.
- The Secret Service's alleged failures could be addressed through internal reforms rather than outsourcing to PMCs, which might be a more effective and less controversial solution.
- The introduction of PMCs could complicate command and control structures du ...
Actionables
- You can evaluate the security measures at your workplace by comparing them to the flexibility and responsiveness of PMCs. Start by observing the current security protocols and consider if they are proactive or reactive. For example, if you notice that security personnel are primarily stationed at entrances without actively patrolling, suggest to your office management the implementation of regular patrols and scenario-based training to improve threat response times.
- Enhance your personal safety by adopting the thorough advance work approach of PMCs. Before attending large events or traveling to new places, research the area for potential safety concerns, plan escape routes, and familiarize yourself with local emergency services. For instance, use online maps to identify safe zones and exits when visiting a concert venue, and keep a list of local emergency contacts on your phone.
- Encourage accountability in service providers by demanding higher standards ak ...
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The impact of DEI policies on the Secret Service
Patrick Bet-David and Erik Prince raise concerns that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives may be impacting the competence and core mission of the Secret Service.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives may be compromising the Secret Service's core mission and competence
The apparent lack of female and minority representation on the Secret Service details protecting Biden and the RNC suggests DEI is taking precedence over selecting the most qualified personnel
Bet-David highlights the contrast between the presence of female Secret Service agents during an incident involving President Trump and the apparent all-male detail protecting President Biden. He questions why women, gays, and lesbians were not trusted to protect Biden, noting the inconsistency with Biden's own purported philosophies.
Inserting political considerations like race and gender into the hiring and deployment of Secret Service agents can distract from the fundamental requirements of the job
Bet-David expresses disappointment at not seeing diverse Secret Service members protecting President Biden, which he deems contradictory to DEI principles. Additionally, Prince criticizes the utilization of Secret Service resources for Jill Biden, implying personal demands may override objective security considerations.
Meritocracy and competence should be the primary factors in selecting Secret Service agents, not social engineering
Bet-David and Prince assert that merit and capability should dictate the selection of Secret Service agents. Bet-David uses personal preferences, like choosing a babysitter for his children, to reinforce the idea of suitability for a role being more critical than DEI.
Prince comments on the danger of injecting race, gender, and sexual preference into job requirements, calling it a distraction from core missions. He also emphasizes that America was built on meritocracy ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The impact of DEI policies on the Secret Service
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- DEI initiatives can enhance the Secret Service's mission by bringing diverse perspectives and approaches to security, which can be critical in anticipating and responding to a variety of threats.
- Female and minority representation in the Secret Service can be indicative of a commitment to reflecting the diversity of the population it serves, which can build trust and legitimacy.
- Considering race and gender in hiring and deployment can be part of a broader strategy to ensure that the Secret Service is inclusive and capable of protecting all citizens equally.
- Meritocracy is not necessarily at odds with DEI; a holistic approach to agent selection can include both merit and a commitment to diversity, as diverse teams can also be highly competent and effective.
- Diversity quotas, if the ...
Actionables
- You can evaluate your own biases by keeping a decision journal where you record the reasons behind your choices, especially in situations involving selection or judgment of others. This will help you identify patterns where you might be favoring certain demographics unconsciously, allowing you to adjust your decision-making process to focus more on merit and qualifications.
- Start a conversation with friends or colleagues about the importance of competence over demographic factors by discussing scenarios where the best outcomes were achieved through merit-based decisions. This can help spread awareness of the value of focusing on skills and qualifications without r ...
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