Security was tight as US President Donald Trump played golf at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland on 26/7. In addition to military trucks, security checkpoints, and snipers positioned around the Turnberry countryside, Mr. Trump's security detail reportedly deployed an armored black golf cart.
The president drove a standard white golf cart around the course, while the bulkier all-terrain vehicle followed him throughout his game.
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The "armored" golf cart appeared at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland on 26/7. Photo: Telegraph |
The "armored" golf cart appeared at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland on 26/7. Photo: Telegraph
Security experts said the vehicle had all the "clear signs" of heavy armor and appeared to be a new addition to the US president's motorcade.
"To me, the one at the golf course is definitely armored, especially looking at the black trim around the front windshield," said Gary Relf, director of UK-based Armored Car Services, which supplies vehicles for heads of state, religious leaders, and the wealthy.
"When we armor a vehicle, we take everything apart, from the roof, seats, floor, carpet, then armor it and put it all back together. So, you might never know it's armored. However, the most noticeable point is the windshield," he said.
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The "armored" golf cart (second from right) in President Trump's golf entourage at Trump Turnberry on 26/7. Photo: Telegraph |
The "armored" golf cart (second from right) in President Trump's golf entourage at Trump Turnberry on 26/7. Photo: Telegraph
One of the UK police's leading experts on armored vehicles agreed with the assessment.
"From the pictures, it's 100% armored," he said, adding that the golf cart in Mr. Trump's security detail was specially modified to offer maximum protection to those inside while being light enough not to damage the golf course.
He said the front end, along with the wheels and tires, were not much different from the off-the-shelf model, as it was a "defensive, not offensive" armored vehicle.
When asked about this information, a US Secret Service spokesperson said they use a variety of tools and resources to protect VIPs. "To ensure protective operations, the Secret Service does not discuss the means and methods used," the spokesperson said.
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Mr. Trump drives a white golf cart in Scotland. Photo: AFP |
Mr. Trump drives a white golf cart in Scotland. Photo: AFP
On 15/9/2024, Mr. Trump was nearly assassinated while playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A secret service agent spotted a "gun barrel protruding from the fence" about 275-460 m away and immediately fired at least 4 shots at the suspect hiding behind the bushes. 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh fled by car but was later arrested.
Just two months earlier, Mr. Trump was grazed by a bullet while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot dead at the scene by the secret service.
Huyen Le (Telegraph, NY Post)
