Aussie security expert Scott Taylor outlines the lessons Donald Trump and authorities will take from attempted assassination as Australian political leaders unite to condemn the incident

An Australian who trained some of America’s top security experts has revealed the hard lessons former President Donald Trump’s team learned from his assassination attempt.

Scott Taylor, founder of Praesidium Risk and Resilience, believes Team Trump will refocus on evacuation procedures and tighter security after the shooting in Pennsylvania on Saturday night local time.

Trump, 78, was interrupted in the middle of his speech by at least eight shots from gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.

The former president suffered an ear injury but quickly stood up and chanted “fight” while raising his fist in the air.

While Taylor acknowledged that the photo of a bloodied, defiant Trump just seconds after the shooting would likely become a “defining moment” of his campaign, he also said it exposed serious security lapses.

“At that point there could have been a second offender, an explosive. It was not a safe environment,” he told Seven News on Sunday night.

They should have kept him down and dragged him all the way through.

‘I think the media and politics are more important than safety.’

Mr. Taylor also provided insight into how Trump’s security team is likely to learn from the failed assassination attempt.

“I think there will certainly be some external and further checks, including at higher elevations,” he said.

“I think there will be some additional focus on some of the training, to make sure those elements are practiced and that the evacuation goes smoothly.”

According to Taylor, it took the Secret Service just three seconds to capture Crooks, but how he was able to target the former president is a major concern.

‘There “There should have been several elements that should have been taken into account in the initial assessment and in the ongoing monitoring and management of the crowd,” he said.

“The concern here is that there is a lack of protection around that elevated position.”

This critical insight follows statements from Australian leaders on both sides of parliament, who condemned the use of violence in politics and expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident disturbing and confrontational during a press conference.

“Like all Australians, I was shocked by the appalling scenes at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania,” he told reporters.

Let’s be clear: the people at this event, the candidate, the crowd, and the free press that covered the event were all participating in the democratic process.

‘In Australia, as in the United States, the essence and purpose of our democracy is that we can express our views, discuss our differences and resolve our disagreements peacefully.

“Every act of violence is an insult and must be unequivocally condemned.”

Mr Taylor (pictured) also condemned Trump’s decision to stand up seconds after the shooting, explaining that there could have been a second shooter.

Trump suffered an ear injury, while one spectator was killed and two seriously injured in the assassination attempt

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said: “I send my best wishes to former President Trump following this shocking attempt on his life. It is a relief to see his statement and I wish him a speedy recovery.

My thoughts and prayers are with the spectators who died and the others who were injured.

‘Violence has no place in society.’

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison also responded to the incident.

“Saddened, shocked and appalled by the attempted assassination of President Trump,” he said.

‘Today we pray for him and his family, and for all those who risk their own lives to protect others in public life.

‘Please also pray for America and its people, a great democracy and our great friend, in these difficult times.’

Australian Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd released a statement shortly after the attempted assassination.

“All Australians are shocked by the attack on former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania tonight,” Rudd wrote.

“Violence has no place in our democracies. It is a relief to see that President Trump is safe. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”