ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A former Homeland Security adviser is calling the security this weekend at former President Donald Trump’s rally a catastrophic failure.

Speaking with Spectrum Bay News 9 over the weekend, Former New York Homeland Security adviser Michael Balboni said one of the first priorities at an event like Saturday's is to send in a team ahead of time to examine the layout of the area.

The assassination attempt at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday left one person killed and two others injured.

The suspected shooter, identified by federal authorities as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by U.S. Secret Service gunmen.

Balboni highlighted things like how many buildings are on the property and where people could get in front of or behind the politician.

He said the mistake during Saturday's rally was the security around the structure where the gunman was. Balboni notes it was roughly 400 meters away with an open line of sight. He suggests there should have been someone from security on the roof. Overall, he says former, current and future presidents need better protection.

“I was very fearful that our country has gotten to a point where we are truly looking at the abyss. In my adult life, I've never known a more polarized time," Balboni said. "I just hope there’s a lot of call for calm. I hope that everybody takes a step back and recognizes that we avoided a major, major tragedy.

“Whether this was Donald Trump or Joe Biden or anybody who wants to seek to lead this great nation, they deserve to be protected at the highest level of our capabilities.”

Congressional lawmakers on both sides are calling for a hearing to discuss the attempted assassination.

The House Oversight Chairman has contacted the Secret Service for a briefing. That hearing will be on July 22.

Speaking with Spectrum Bay News 9 over the weekend, Former New York Homeland Security adviser Michael Balboni said one of the first priorities at an event like Saturday's is to send in a team ahead of time to examine the layout of the area. (Spectrum News image)