Hamilton Security Group

Articles

This page showcases the expertise of James Hamilton, Founder of Hamilton Security Group, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, and creator of the FBI’s Close Protection School. With more than three decades of experience in executive protection, threat assessment, and organizational security, Hamilton is frequently sought out by leading publishers for his analysis and commentary.

Here you’ll find his insights featured in outlets such as Forbes, The Financial Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Harvard Business Review, and The Washington Post, alongside his own original writings. Topics include personal safety, corporate and organizational security, travel risk management, situational awareness, and strategies for surviving high-risk events.

Hamilton’s perspective combines field-tested experience with forward-looking strategies — providing readers with actionable knowledge for today’s most pressing security challenges.

Charlie Kirk speaks at a public campus event before his assassination, highlighting security challenges of outdoor venues and rooftop vulnerabilities.

September 16, 2025

Utah campus where Charlie Kirk was shot provided less security than other venues as he toured nation — by Jack Brook, Claudia Lauer, and Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press.

The AP reports how varying levels of security at Charlie Kirk’s events — particularly the outdoor Utah Valley University venue — left vulnerabilities that contributed to his assassination. Experts, including James Hamilton, emphasize rooftop monitoring and indoor venues as critical to preventing sniper attacks.

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Charlie Kirk speaking at a public event before his assassination in Utah, highlighting security challenges at large outdoor venues.

September 11, 2025

“There Will Be Copycats”: After Charlie Kirk Assassination, Threat Expert Talks Public Event Risks — by Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter.

Former FBI agent James Hamilton explains the rising risks of public events, the challenges of securing open-air venues, and why copycat attacks remain a serious concern.

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Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and other tech leaders boost personal security budgets as threats against executives rise, with experts like James Hamilton warning of growing risks.

May 9, 2025

“Tech Bosses Spend Millions More on Personal Security” — by Tabby Kinder & Tim Bradshaw, Financial Times.

Large tech groups including Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, and Palantir boosted CEO security budgets to over $45 million in 2024. Former FBI agent James Hamilton notes rising threats as tech leaders become targets of public frustration and political hostility.

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Alt Text: Billionaires and CEOs are ramping up personal security measures with elite protection teams, covert tracking, and residential safeguards in response to rising threats of arson, kidnapping, and violence.

May 9, 2025

“How The Ultra-Wealthy Are Protecting Themselves Against Arson Attacks, Kidnapping And Worse” — by Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.

Billionaires and CEOs are facing unprecedented threats — from arson and kidnapping to online targeting — driving demand for elite personal security. James Hamilton of Hamilton Security Group warns that many companies seeking short-term fixes risk being unprepared amid a shortage of qualified protection experts.

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Former FBI Special Agent James Hamilton shares personal safety tips for conference travelers, covering ride-shares, hotels, parking garages, and situational awareness.

March 3, 2025

Staying Safe at Conferences and Events: Expert Travel Security Tips — by INAS Interview with James Hamilton, Former FBI Special Agent, I Need A Speaker.

Hamilton shares practical advice for conference attendees on ride-share safety, hotel precautions, navigating parking garages, and maintaining awareness in busy venues. Drawing from decades of FBI and private security experience, he emphasizes preparation, intuition, and proactive strategies to help travelers stay safe from arrival to departure.

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Corporate executives reviewing security strategies after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as discussed in Harvard Business Review.

December 6, 2024

“What Companies Should Be Asking Their Security Teams Right Now” — by Paul R. Kolbe, Harvard Business Review.

The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has pushed corporate leaders to reassess executive protection, raising urgent questions about preparedness, strategy, and the role of security teams in safeguarding top executives.

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Traveler in airport practicing situational awareness, reflecting FBI expert James Hamilton’s travel safety tips.

October 24, 2018

“Travel Safely: 13 Common Sense Tips From A Former FBI Special Agent” — by Irene S. Levine, Forbes.

Former FBI agent James Hamilton shares practical safety strategies for air travel, hotels, and high-risk destinations, emphasizing vigilance and preparedness.

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An emergency evacuation during a mass shooting scenario, illustrating key safety responses such as running, hiding, and fighting if necessary, as outlined in The Washington Post’s survival guide.

November 6, 2017

“How to Protect Yourself During a Mass Shooting” — by Ed Hinman, The Washington Post.

This guide emphasizes preparation, situational awareness, and the “Run, Hide, Fight” framework, urging individuals to have a plan, know their environment, and take proactive steps to survive active shooter incidents.

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