Scandal unveiled: Secret Service rejected Trump’s security requests before assassination attempt

A recent Washington Post report has uncovered that the United States Secret Service (USSS) denied multiple requests for additional security resources for former President Donald Trump over the past two years. The revelations come in the wake of a July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, which has intensified scrutiny on the Secret Service’s handling of the former president’s security.

According to the report, Trump’s team had repeatedly requested increased security measures, including additional agents, magnetometers at large public events, and extra snipers for outdoor venues. Despite these requests, the Secret Service reportedly turned them down, leading to ongoing tensions between Trump, his aides, and the agency. The repeated rejections are said to have exacerbated discord between Trump’s security detail and Secret Service leadership.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, has confirmed that recent information suggests the agency’s headquarters may have indeed denied some of these security requests. Guglielmi emphasized the complexity of the Secret Service’s mission, noting that the agency works daily in a challenging threat environment to ensure the safety and security of its protectees. He defended the agency’s strategy, which he described as a comprehensive and layered approach balancing personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs.

Earlier, in the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt, Guglielmi had dismissed claims that the Secret Service had denied requests for additional security. He stated unequivocally that such assertions were false, despite the new information surfacing that contradicts his earlier statements.

The report has intensified calls for the resignation of Secret Service Chief Kimberly Cheatle, who is under significant pressure to step down for failing to adequately protect the former president. Cheatle, however, has resisted these calls and is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on July 22 regarding the security lapses.

The assassination attempt on Trump, carried out by Thomas Crooks, highlights serious lapses in the Secret Service’s protective measures. Crooks managed to position himself on a rooftop just 130 meters from Trump and fired multiple rounds before being neutralized. During the incident, Trump sustained a bullet wound to his right ear, and a rallygoer was killed. The Secret Service agents failed to identify the shooter in time to prevent the attack, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of their security protocols.

The revelation of the Secret Service’s denial of additional security resources raises critical concerns about the agency’s ability to protect high-profile individuals. The ongoing tensions and scrutiny underscore the importance of effective communication and coordination between security agencies and their protectees. The situation calls for a thorough investigation into the security lapses to ensure that such failures do not recur in the future.