As with every Presidential election, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions are scheduled for this summer. Safety and security precautions are always at the forefront of these events, but in light of the July 13 attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, they are being increased to new heights. Given the high-profile nature of these events, which draw politicians, delegates, activists, media, and protesters, they can serve as a magnet for hostile actors intent on causing harm.

A gunman entered the parking lot of a large supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on March 22, 2021, killing 10 people. Three years later, active shooter events continue to be on the rise throughout the country, particularly for soft targets. Shopping malls, schools, houses of worship, theatres and offices are attractive to terrorists seeking to inflict mass harm. Today’s most persistent threats are not exclusive to firearms. For example, in our last blog, we explored the recent uptick in bomb threats aimed at these same soft targets.