Editor’s Note: Transcripts are generated using speech-recognition technology. Therefore, STRATFOR cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YZ9fTYtoKU&feature=player_embedded

In this week’s Above the Tearline, we’re going to examine the protective security failure surrounding the June 30 assault on French President Sarkozy.

Last week, President Sarkozy was assaulted as he walked down a rope line in a public venue. Rope lines pose unique protective security challenges for agents simply because they are used primarily for crowd control versus physical protection. As you look at the video, you’ll see the hand come across the rope line and grab Sarkozy on his coat. And, as you slow this down you will see that he is pulled in the direction of the crowd. Now, from the protective security failure aspect, if this had taken place under the protection umbrella of the U.S. Secret Service or the State Department Diplomatic Security Service, you would have seen immediately the agents cover and evacuate the protectee to a safe haven.

The other aspect from the protective security failure is: Sarkozy continues down the path of the rope line and, if this was part of a two-prong attack, the individual could have struck at that point of time. Another aspect as you look at this videotape is the agents that are actually involved with the capture of the assailant. The French were doing a good job in mirroring the protectee as he was walking down the rope line because it appears they very quickly apprehended the individual responsible.

One of the concepts that is used in this kind of protection is one of countersurveillance where agents blend into the crowd, dress down, looking for individuals specifically like this assailant. The other thing to note when looking at the video is that Sarkozy is not wearing a ballistic vest or jacket in close proximity to the crowd. If the assailant had a knife or gun, the circumstances could’ve been much worse than what occurred.

The Above the Tearline aspect of this incident is the treasure trove of information drawn from this one video. There’s training application and intelligence on motivation, but, more importantly, you see the French protective security response to an actual attack on the French president and that allows you to formulate your protection plans as you bring your protectee into country.