Secret Service Under Scrutiny
The US Secret Service (USSS) denied former President Donald Trump‘s requests for additional security resources, according to a report in the Washington Post. The agency has now admitted that Trump’s team’s requests for more agents, magnetometers, and snipers at large public events were turned down over the past two years.
Tensions and rejections
The repeated rejections created long-standing tensions between Trump, his aides, and his security detail against Secret Service leadership. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, acknowledged new information indicating the agency’s headquarters may have denied requests for additional security from Trump’s detail.
Balancing security needs
“The Secret Service has a vast, challenging, and intricate mission. 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,” said Guglielmi. “We execute a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs.”
Initial denial and fallout
Previously, Guglielmi had denied that additional security resources were requested and rebuffed, calling such assertions “absolutely false.” However, following the assassination attempt on July 13, where shooter Thomas Crooks fired at Trump from 130 meters away, the agency is now under intense scrutiny.
Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle faces pressure to resign for failing to protect Trump but has refused to step down. Cheatle is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the security failures.
Assassination attempt details
Crooks, who was able to position himself on a roof without detection, fired multiple rounds before being neutralized by Secret Service agents. Trump sustained a bullet wound to his right ear, and a rallygoer was killed in the attack.