They were tools I was permitted to have for work. We had a hard out time of 6pm the night before. We were directed to leave any tools on site. Gestapo swept the facility overnight. They're looking for guns and bombs. We were searched upon entering the day of the event. My tools were waiting for me when I came in. I was not searched again.
I work around targets like him once or twice a year and this is normal.
I can't say I've ever forgiven myself.
I had the opportunity in '24 while he was campaigning. I was alone in the room with him for about two minutes. He was repulsive and I refused to say a word to him beyond a brief introduction as I was escorted into the room. I had a sizable knife and a multi-tool on me at the time. My friends and family will never let me live down the opportunity I threw away, but I wouldn't have made it out alive. I'm realizing now, they're essentially saying they'd rather have him dead than me alive.
I'm using a throwaway account for a reason.