The Secret Service faces scrutiny after reportedly denying increased security requests for former President Donald Trump, despite a recent assassination attempt revealing critical lapses in protection measures.
Top officials within the Secret Service reportedly denied requests to increase security for former President Donald Trump over the past two years, according to several sources.
Four individuals, speaking to the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity, revealed that agents on Trump's security detail had requested additional agents, snipers, specialty teams for outdoor events, and large public gatherings, as well as equipment such as magnetometers.
Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, issued a statement on July 14, denying these claims: “The assertion that Trump’s security team had asked to be given additional security resources that the U.S. Secret Service or the Department of Homeland Security rebuffed is absolutely false.”
He added, “In fact, recently the U.S. Secret Service added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail.”
Despite previous denials, the outlet noted that the Secret Service is now acknowledging some requests for additional security may have been rejected. Agency veterans explain that the organization has had to make tough decisions due to competing demands, an increasing list of protectees, and limited funding.
The Secret Service has faced intense criticism following an assassination attempt on Trump last Saturday. The former president was shot in the upper part of his right ear by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who opened fire from the roof of a nearby building.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explained to ABC News that no agents were on the roof where Crooks positioned himself due to the “safety factor” of placing someone on a “sloped roof.”
During a recent Secret Service briefing with senators, it was disclosed that Crooks had been identified as a “threat” by the agency 10 minutes before Trump took the stage.
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