On initial view I thought “no”. But after further review – I’ve changed my mind.

ABC News – noted “experts” in Presidential Security disagree.

“At the press conference, the head of the president’s security detail scrambled to the lectern but not until the second shoe had been thrown. President Bush motioned to the agent to standby, declining to be hustled out of the room. At least five other American agents pour in from that exit behind the President, three took positions directly in front of the President, and other agents rushed into the midst of the seated reporters. No visible weapons were drawn, which seems to show unusual restraint, since agents are trained to assume that any assault is part of a broader attack by not one but several assailants.

At headquarters, it is a given that video will be reviewed over and over again, and become part of the Secret Service training — on what NOT to do.”

Well it so happens that they are wrong. As Black Five correctly notes all those who entered the room were thoroughly screened for weapons, explosives, etc. Secret Service protective protocal is classified, but I can tell you that it is common practice for agents NOT to crowd the protectee, but to scan the area of operation for danger.

Last time I looked a shoe was not classified as a deadly weapon.