Donald Trump’s decision to watch the University of Alabama’s matchup against Georgia could present a security issue for the Secret Service.
The 78-year-old is planning to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Bulldogs on September 28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, marking the third time he has watched Alabama football and the second time he has visited the stadium.
Trump’s campaign announced the former president’s plans, and in response, the University announced what it would be doing to ensure the campus is safe for its students, faculty, fans, and the Republican nominee.
In a statement, the university outlined its main focuses as it prepares for the 78-year-old’s arrival with a huge security operation now underway to ensure the safety of not just Trump but those attending the game.
“We have been notified that the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, plans to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Sept. 28 after receiving an invitation from a private citizen,” the statement read Thursday, according to AL.com.
“The safety of our campus is and will remain our top priority, and UAPD will work closely with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners to coordinate security. Like for every UA football game, walk-through metal detectors will be in place and the clear bag policy will be strictly enforced.
Donald Trump is set to watch the University of Alabama’s matchup against Georgia (Image: Getty)
“Additional safety measures will be enacted in collaboration with local and federal agencies, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to expedite the security screening process. The University’s focus will continue to be ensuring a safe and positive gameday experience for the student-athletes, fans of both teams, and all campus visitors.”
The former president’s announcement comes at a time when he could be putting the Secret Service in a bind. Recently, the Secret Service detained a man while Trump played golf, who allegedly had a rifle and had planned to shoot at the former president.
This newest incident comes months after the 78-year-old was injured in a shooting during a rally in Pennsylvania. In mid-June, Trump was speaking to his support in Butler, Pennsylvania in an attempt to bolster support for his presidential bid in the 2024 election.
As he was speaking, it appeared as if Trump was struck by either a bullet or shrapnel in the ear as the former president fell below the podium he was standing over. Once Secret Service agents arrived on the stage, Trump emerged surrounded by the agents, blood coming from his left ear.
Upon seeing the agents keep Trump safe, sports pundit Rich Eisen posted on X to send his gratitude to the Secret Service. “Thank you to the heroes of the Secret Service who threw themselves into what appeared to be a hail of bullets,” Eisen wrote on his account.
“Find whoever did this and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. None of this is OK. Praying for everyone there in Butler PA.”
With Trump set to be among tens of thousands of fans, it certainly will be a tough task for the Secret Service to monitor the situation in Alabama. Curiously, Trump has had an interesting history with college football. When he was at the Iowa-Iowa State football game earlier in September, his arrival was not well received, with fans giving the former president the finger, boos and catcalls.
Still, Trump was able to turn the situation around. Posting to his social media app “Truth Social,” the 78-year-old posted his version of the events at the game, writing: “Having a great time in Iowa!”
