The United States recently received intelligence from a human source indicating a Iranian assassination plot against former President Donald Trump. As a result, the Secret Service has ramped up security measures around Trump. Multiple sources briefed on the matter informed CNN about the plot and the subsequent increase in security for the 78-year-old former president.
Despite the heightened security, there is no evidence linking the shooter at Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania rally, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to the Iranian assassination plot. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 13, saw Crooks open fire during Trump’s address, resulting in the death of one attendee and injuries to Trump and two others. Crooks was neutralized by a Secret Service sharpshooter.
Reports have yet to detail the specific nature of the Iranian threat received by US intelligence. When questioned by CNN, Trump’s campaign team declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Secret Service. “We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to The United States Secret Service,” they stated.
The assassination attempt at the rally has raised concerns, especially given the existing tight security provided by the Secret Service and local law enforcement. It remains unclear how the gunman managed to bypass these measures and carry out the attack.
Sources revealed that the Secret Service had repeatedly warned the Trump campaign against holding outdoor rallies due to general threats. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently investigating the Pennsylvania shooting as an act of domestic terrorism but has not yet identified a motive or ideological reason behind the attack.
Despite the incident, Trump attended the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday, July 15, just 48 hours after the shooting. The convention was met with significant anti-Trump protests in the city.
The GOP and Trump’s campaign had requested the Secret Service to enhance security around the convention. However, the Secret Service assured that the highest level of security was already in place for the high-profile event, deeming additional measures unnecessary.