The assassination attempt on Trump has shifted attention to the complex challenge of securing large-scale public events in open spaces, such as King Charles' coronation ceremony, the Paris Olympics and election rallies across the U.S.
David Douglas, a retired California law enforcement officer with over 30 years of experience and affiliations with FBI Infragard, NYPD Shield and the Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEWG), explains: "The first challenge in securing election rallies that include public appearances by a sitting president or presidential candidate in front of tens of thousands of citizens in an open area is to define a sterile zone and perform screening for every person found or entering the sterile area, days before the event itself. This ensures that no people who might pose a danger, and no weapons or bombs, enter the sterile area."
Real-time forensic investigation
Douglas added: "The second challenge is meticulous security maintenance inside and around the sterile area in real-time. High-secured events are typically covered by hundreds of surveillance cameras, drones, and bodycams scanned by AI algorithms to identify known terrorists or criminals and to detect suspicious patterns and anomalies, such as the presence of an unknown person on a rooftop within shooting range of the event centre."
"If an assassination attempt or terrorist attack occurs, there is a critical need for real-time forensic investigation. For example, an immediate examination if the assailant was seen frequently with a second suspect in footage taken before the incident. The live surveillance cameras should be scanned immediately to identify and apprehend this additional suspect as soon as possible."
AI-based security solutions
Douglas is the Client Business Executive Director at AWZ, a venture capital firm investing in companies
David Douglas is the Client Business Executive Director at AWZ, a venture capital firm investing in companies operating in the field of advanced AI-based security solutions.
“Corsight AI is renowned for its facial intelligence technology, which rapidly identifies specific individuals and predefined scenarios posing potential security threats. By analysing facial features in real-time and in real-world conditions, Corsight AI aids law enforcement and private security entities worldwide in securing public spaces, mass events, transportation hubs, and critical infrastructure.”
X-ray screening and detection solutions
Gabriel Lerner, CEO of ISEG Corp, a pioneering security provider in Latin America said: “This technology is effective thanks to its ability to identify a specific person in a crowded environment in conditions of low visibility, poor video quality, limited camera angles, distance and motion. We’ve tested several technology vendors and chose to go with Corsight AI for its military-grade reliability in real-world conditions.”
Douglas adds: “Neural Guard specialises in automated X-ray screening and detection solutions. Their technology interprets X-ray images using advanced AI algorithms, detecting concealed threats such as weapons and explosives. This capability is vital in screening mass audiences in sterile zones such as election rallies, airports, and other high-security areas, where traditional methods may fall short.”
Advanced security solutions
Douglas adds: "In a world where security threats are increasingly complex, integrating sophisticated AI-based technologies is crucial. The ability to expose hidden threats and react to them before they materialise can significantly enhance our preventive strategies."
Following the recent high-profile violent events, the annual GSX 2024 security expo to be held in Orlando, Florida, in September is expected to garner special interest. At GSX, Corsight AI, Neural Guard and other advanced security solutions will be demonstrated live, enabling security professionals to evaluate new advancements in pre-event threat detection, real-time investigation and immediate reaction to prevent the next assassination or terror attack.
