Title: Increased Security Measures Surrounding Former President Trump Following Assassination Plot Revealed
Threat from Iran to Assassinate Donald Trump Uncovered
Recent weeks have seen US authorities obtaining intelligence on a plot by Iran to assassinate former President Donald Trump, leading to an increase in security measures by the Secret Service, according to sources briefed on the matter. While there is no evidence linking Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to kill the former president, to the plot, the revelation raises concerns about security lapses at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Crooks managed to access a nearby rooftop and fire shots. The existence of a threat from a hostile foreign intelligence agency and the subsequent enhanced security for Trump highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Secret Service and Trump Campaign Made Aware of Threat
Prior to the rally, both the Secret Service and the Trump campaign were made aware of the increased threat. The National Security Council (NSC) directly contacted the Secret Service at a senior level to ensure they were tracking the latest reporting. The Secret Service then shared this information with the detail lead, and while it is unknown whether the Trump campaign was informed of the Iran threat, they were aware of an evolving threat. In response, the Secret Service allocated additional resources and assets to protect former President Trump.
Secret Service Warnings Against Outdoor Rallies
The Secret Service has repeatedly warned against holding outdoor rallies due to the greater risks they pose compared to controlled-access events. The agency has advised against such gatherings, as they can be more challenging to secure. While specific threats were not mentioned in these warnings, they serve as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and adaptability in adjusting security measures based on potential threats.
FBI Investigation and Denial by Iran
The FBI is currently investigating the attempted assassination. However, they have not yet found any ties between Crooks and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic. The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations denied any Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, stating that the accusations are unsubstantiated and malicious. They emphasized their pursuit of legal means to hold Trump accountable for the assassination of General Soleimani.
Surge of Threats from Iranian State-Backed Media
Iran has long vowed revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani in January 2020, leading to concerns about potential retaliation against former senior Trump administration officials. In August 2022, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against a member of the IRGC for attempting to orchestrate the assassination of John Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also targeted. As a result, these officials have had increased security measures in place since leaving the government.
Persistent Threat of Assassination Attempts
Law enforcement officials have been concerned about the ongoing threat of Iran attempting to assassinate former Trump officials and the former president himself. Recent intelligence indicates an uptick in this threat, leading to heightened security measures. This operational planning aligns with a surge in online messaging from Iranian accounts and state-backed media mentioning Trump, raising further security concerns among US officials.
Conclusion
The revelation of an assassination plot by Iran against former President Donald Trump has prompted increased security measures by the Secret Service. While there is no connection between the attempted assassin and the plot, questions surrounding security lapses at a rally where shots were fired have arisen. The ongoing threat of assassination attempts against former Trump officials and the former president himself underscores the need for enhanced security measures and continued vigilance.
