Author: The Record
Published July 16, 2024

Insights from a local retired veteran RCMP officer on presidential security and the Trump assassination attempt

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In light of the recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, The Record reached out to Bob Farnham, a seasoned former officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with extensive experience in VIP security, for his insights. Farnham, who served from 1959 to 1991, has been involved in numerous high-profile security operations, including presidential visits.

Despite being out of the service for over three decades, his memories of working on presidential visits remain vivid. His first assignment was during John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) visit, where he played a role in the operational planning. “I was certainly low man on the totem pole, but I was on the operational plan,” Farnham recounted.

He recalls a tense moment during President Nixon’s visit when a motorcycle officer crashed beside the presidential limousine. Farnham had to override Nixon’s order to stop, using the code “marmalade” to clear the area swiftly. “Nixon was hollering, stop, stop, stop. And we just left the area,” Farnham said.

This decision, driven by security protocols, highlights the often-split-second decisions made during such operations. Farnham notes that while the incident turned out to be a minor accident due to slippery conditions, it exemplifies the unpredictability of security work.

Farnham’s responsibilities extended to being a personal bodyguard for President Reagan and overseeing security on Parliament Hill during George Bush Jr.’s visit. His deep respect for the Secret Service and the collaboration between Canadian and American security agencies is evident.

He emphasized the importance of not jumping to conclusions in security incidents, a theme that resonates strongly with the current investigation into the Trump assassination attempt. “A lot of people are jumping to conclusions and, you know, why wasn’t this done? Why wasn’t that done?” Farnham remarked.

Farnham shared his experiences lecturing on VIP security across Canada, stressing that in security any person, place, or thing can be a potential threat. This principle underlines the complexity of security operations and the importance of thorough investigation before assigning blame.

He mentioned the recent reports of a man with a rifle on a rooftop during the Trump incident, urging caution and the need to verify such claims before drawing conclusions. “Well, until they talked to that man, what did he really see? Did he see the Secret Service with the rifle on the roof?” Farnham questioned.

Reflecting on his collaboration with the Secret Service, Farnham praised their professionalism and dedication. He recounted an incident during the G7 Summit in Montebello, Quebec, where they had to enforce a no-fly zone for model aircraft to ensure the safety of the delegates. “We put a no-fly, you can’t fly your model aircraft while in the shadow of Montebello,” Farnham explained. This anecdote underscores the meticulous planning and preventive measures taken during high-profile events.

Farnham acknowledged the difficulty in protecting individuals willing to die for their cause. He drew parallels with “suicide by cop” scenarios, emphasizing that such threats are challenging to mitigate. The recent attempt on Trump’s life, with shots narrowly missing the former president, is a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by public figures. “If they’re willing to die for the cause or their beliefs, it’s pretty hard to stop them,” Farnham stated.

Discussing the video of Trump during the incident, Farnham noted that while Trump’s response might seem unconventional, security protocols must adapt to the protected individual’s actions. He explained that security personnel cannot forcibly restrict the movements of their protectees, highlighting the complexities of real-time decision-making in such scenarios. “You can’t grab onto him and hold him. No, you don’t,” Farnham clarified, emphasizing that the protectee’s autonomy is always respected.

Farnham expressed his respect for the media’s role in disseminating information but cautioned against premature conclusions. He recounted instances where misinformation was deliberately seeded to identify trustworthy reporters, illustrating the delicate balance between media relations and security operations. “I gave information to the media, and it was a line of BS, and said, now don’t report this. That was to just weed them out to see who I could trust,” Farnham said.

Farnham shared a story about an incident involving snow falling from a hangar roof at the Ottawa airport during a VIP visit. The heat from the hangar melted the snow, which then fell onto a limousine. Although no one was hurt, it underscored Farnham’s point that anything can be a potential threat. “If that had hit the VIP or any person, it would have done damage, I’m sure,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his career, Farnham mentioned receiving a photograph from the Canadian Press featuring Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and himself, along with a certificate of appreciation from the Secret Service, symbolizing the recognition of his contributions to security. “They said, I hope we don’t get in trouble. This is kind of a press photograph, but we’re giving it to you. As a memory,” Farnham recalled.

Farnham also touched on the role of social media in spreading unverified information, cautioning that in the rush to be first, facts can be misrepresented. He again urged the public to wait for official reports before forming opinions on incidents like the Trump assassination attempt. “People are so hungry for information that stuff gets circulated that’s not verified,” Farnham noted.

Drawing parallels to the JFK assassination, Farnham noted that some people still believe in multiple shooters, illustrating how conspiracy theories can persist without solid evidence. He stressed the importance of thorough investigations to dispel such myths and provide clear, factual accounts of events.

“There [are] still people that believe that John F. Kennedy was shot by multiple shooters. But until everything is proven, facts have been [ascertained], and everybody has been interviewed… the FBI will do a good job investigating it,” Farnham emphasized.

Farnham discussed the technical aspects of VIP security, such as the variance in factory-loaded ammunition and its impact on precision shooting. He praised the skill of RCMP sharpshooters, highlighting the level of expertise required in such roles.

He described how RCMP sharpshooters at 200 yards could place ten shots so accurately that they could be covered with a toonie, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment and skilled personnel in security operations. “Trump’s head was exposed, certainly, and thank God the shooter was a bad shot,” he added.

In closing, Farnham reiterated the importance of not rushing to judgment. He urged the public and media to allow the FBI and other investigating agencies to complete their work. His insights, drawn from a lifetime of service, provide a sobering reminder of the complexities involved in protecting public figures and the need for careful, measured responses to security threats.

Scroll to Top