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When you’re a high-profile politician or a member of the British royal family, security is always a main concern. That means that for something like a state visit involving the President of the US and King Charles, extra precautions had to be taken. But was there something in particular that raised alarms?
RadarOnline is reporting that, yes, detailing there was a potential plot to hack protective drone systems and turn them against Charles. It comes days after President Trump and top officials were rushed to safety during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunfire was heard outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton. A suspect was taken into custody after exchanging gunfire with Secret Service agents. No one in the administration was injured.
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A source told the outlet, “There is a growing awareness that modern threats are evolving beyond traditional methods – the concern is no longer just physical proximity but technological vulnerability,” adding, “The possibility of interference with defensive systems, including drones, is something planners are taking extremely seriously.”
Though the visit went on without a big security breach, the concern remains, particularly as King Charles will continue to have public engagements. “What makes this particularly alarming is the idea that tools designed to protect could, in a worst-case scenario, be manipulated and used in the opposite way. That risk, however remote, is shaping the entire security posture,” the source added.
“But the reality is hackers could very easily manipulate the drones that are in the air to protect Charles and Trump and turn them against them both.” Not just that. “There is also the possibility of war drones being used against Charles.”
When the state visit to the US was planned, all contingencies were taken into account. “There has been a clear shift toward anticipating unconventional threats – not just the possibility of lone wolf attacks like Trump has had to deal with, but scenarios involving cyber interference or remote disruption,” another source said.
“Agencies are working on the assumption that any visible vulnerability could be exploited, particularly during high-profile international visits.” And in this particular case, this required coordination. “The King’s itinerary has been managed with an exceptional level of precision, with every movement carefully timed and controlled to minimize exposure while still allowing key engagements, including those at the White House, to go ahead as planned.”
Trump himself reportedly mentioned the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as the US President and first lady greeted the King and Queen Camilla on the South Lawn of the White House on the first day of their state visit. Lip reader Nicola Hickling told the New York Post that Trump mentioned, “This shooting… .”
King Charles then reportedly said, “I’d rather not stand about here too long. I feel I shouldn’t be here.”
Proof positive that absolutely everyone was aware of the security risks that existed and will continue to exist.
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