If you've ever witnessed a Presidential motorcade, then you remember images such as this. In 2001, while in DC, I was stopped first in line while George Bush's motorcade passed through Dupont Circle. As the first SUV passed, there were 3 assault rifles held in firing position by 3 agents out the back 3 windows. It's not an image that's easy to forget. And I'm not attacking Obama for his entourage. It's a post 9/11 requirement for all Presidential travel.
Story, link and more photos inside.
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Just popping to the shops for some light reading in the Massachusetts town proved a logistical headache for minders who made up part of a 20-vehicle motorcade.
The attention-grabbing column was headed by a titanium-plated Cadillac One dubbed The Beast for its five-inch thick bulletproof glass.
Other security measures in the Presidential limousine include unbreakable tyres, an air filtration system to protect against biological attack and a tear gas cannon.
The rest of the motorcade was made up of four bullet-proof vans filled with secret service agents, two buses for journalists and TV crews and an ambulance with six medics on board.
Additional security was provided in the shape of SWAT team van and a radar-jamming vehicle.
Another member of the entourage is a military officer who carries the codes needed to initiate a nuclear attack.
Continue reading (many more photos) at the Daily Mail
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Also, 2 new weekend stories you might wish to read: