Trump's extra security requests were repeatedly denied for 2 years by Secret Service, reveal sources
Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
WASHINGTON, DC: Before last weekend's assassination attempt at the Pennsylvania campaign rally, former president Donald Trump's requests for increased security were repeatedly rejected by Secret Service officials in the two years prior, as reported by The Washington Post.
The 78-year-old MAGA figurehead sought additional agents and magnetometers at large public events and extra snipers for outdoor venues.
According to four insiders, senior officials rejected each request, citing the agency's lack of available resources.
What did Secret Service reveal about assassination attempt on Donald Trump?
Secret Service agents, along with local law enforcement, were in charge of securing the Keystone State rally where 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the 2024 Republican presidential candidate last Saturday.
Crooks had positioned himself on a rooftop just 130 yards away from Donald Trump when he fired as many as seven rounds, grazing the ex-president in the right ear and fatally shooting an audience member seated behind the stage. Two other rally attendees sustained serious injuries.
The security lapse prompted the federal security agency to increase the former POTUS’s security detail to match that of President Joe Biden, per the New York Post.
Initially, the Secret Service denied allegations that someone from Trump’s team had requested additional assistance prior to the deadly shooting, dismissing the claims as “absolutely false.”
According to insiders, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has been under increasing pressure to resign, reiterated the initial denial from their end during a meeting with Trump campaign leadership in Wisconsin on Monday.
However, the agency has since altered its position in the wake of significant vulnerabilities found in the former president's security detail.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, admitted that the agency had turned down Trump’s request for additional security, but asserted that they had only learned about this new information after the tragedy had occurred.
In order to increase security, the agency worked with state or local partners, according to Guglielmi, who told the Washington Post that there were "some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided."
“The Secret Service has a vast, challenging, and intricate mission,” Guglielmi said in a statement. “Every day we work in a dynamic threat environment to ensure our protectees are safe and secure across multiple events, travel, and other difficult environments. We execute a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs.”
Insiders revealed that local law enforcement was enlisted for the Butler, Pennsylvania rally because Secret Service headquarters had declined the ex-president’s request for additional resources.
Trump’s personal security team submits requests for resources — such as manpower, equipment, and technology — to Secret Service headquarters, which then approves or denies them at their discretion.
If the request is denied, the team would then inquire with the field office, and they would allocate any available resources, including local law enforcement.
Sources told the aforementioned outlet that the level of security provided to Trump varies from event to event depending on what the local field office can offer.
Ultimately, Secret Service headquarters has the authority to determine which resources are permitted to be allocated.
The Secret Service has come under immense scrutiny for failing to prevent Crooks from firing on the ex-president.
Despite the frightening experience, former president Trump has continued with his campaign, this time with enhanced security at his disposal.
He received a “pretty unprecedented level of police officers” for his indoor event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the presidential hopeful and his new running mate, Ohio Sen JD Vance, were greeted by approximately 14,000 enthusiastic supporters.
Internet fumes as insiders claim Secret Service repeatedly rejected Trump's requests for extra security
People online expressed their anger upon learning that the Secret Service had repeatedly denied former president Donal Trump's request for additional security before the assassination attempt on July 13.
One X user remarked, "Imagine that. Joe Bidens guys denied President Trump additional security detail."
Imagine that. Joe Bidens guys denied President Trump additional security detail.
— Tired of being politically correct (@USBornNRaised) July 20, 2024
Another user said, "President Trump should hire his own trustworthy detail. I wouldn’t trust this regime to protect anything !"
President Trump should hire his own trustworthy detail. I wouldn’t trust this regime to protect anything !
— kims4Trump (@ScarrittKim) July 21, 2024
Another user wrote, "Corrupt administrative state for sure. He needs to clean house when he gets back in."
Corrupt administrative state for sure. He needs to clean house when he gets back in.
— Conservative Dude (@swterry911) July 21, 2024
One user claimed, "And they withheld security for RFK Junior until this week's events. The Democrats in their current incarnation: stubbornly petty and spiteful."
And they withheld security for RFK Junior until this week's events. The Democrats in their current incarnation: stubbornly petty and spiteful.
— Absurdipolitical (@dalipolitial) July 21, 2024
Another X user argued, "Everyone who was involved in that decision needs to be kicked out...they didn't just put his life in danger, but also other SS agents, and got someone killed and two injured."
Everyone who was involved in that decision needs to be kicked out...they didn't just put his life in danger, but also other SS agents, and got someone killed and two injured.
— Digital_Sass (@TooMuchSassForX) July 21, 2024
One user tweeted, "They wanted something to happen to him."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.