ASHEBORO, N.C. – Former President Donald Trump stepped outside a bulletproof enclosure set up by the Secret Service on Wednesday to embrace a rally-goer in North Carolina who needed medical attention.
Bulletproof glass has been installed in front of Trump’s podium in Asheboro, North Carolina, and three additional pieces of glass have been installed behind and on the sides as part of stepped-up security for the former president’s first outdoor rally since the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump, 78, paused mid-speech as supporters in the crowd called out for health care workers.
“What’s going on?” Trump asked, drawing attention to the commotion.
“It’s very hot here,” the former president said, calling for a doctor.
After medical staff helped a grey-haired woman, who had apparently collapsed, out of the stands, Trump stepped away from the barrier and embraced her.
As the former president stepped out of the glass security enclosure toward the crowd, Secret Service agents surrounded him.
“You know, they’re coming two, three days early, so it’s a big deal. It’s a lot of stress,” Trump said after returning to the podium.
The Secret Service has reportedly advised President Trump not to hold any future outdoor events following the assassination attempt.
Outdoor rallies that can accommodate large numbers of supporters have been a feature of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.
