Washington, D.C. – Recent intelligence has revealed that the United States had knowledge of an Iran regime plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, according to CNN. The information, obtained from a human source, prompted the Secret Service to increase security around Trump in recent weeks due to the heightened threat.
Despite the increased protective measures, there is no indication that the individual who attempted to assassinate Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday was connected to the Islamic Republic's plot. The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to access a rooftop at the rally, where he fired directly at Trump. The former president was grazed by a bullet, while one rallygoer was killed and two others critically wounded.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson confirmed that no ties have been identified between the gunman and any foreign or domestic accomplices or co-conspirators.
The Secret Service and Trump's campaign were alerted to the Iran regime threat, leading to a significant surge in resources and assets dedicated to his protection. Despite these measures, the attack on Saturday was not prevented.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency had recently "added protective resources and capabilities to the former president’s security detail." This move comes in response to a sharp increase in mentions of Trump by Iran’s state media, indicating an elevated threat level.
The agency has faced criticism following the Pennsylvania incident, particularly regarding the gunman's unhindered access to the rally's rooftop.
While concerns about Iran regime's plans to harm the former president have existed for some time, recent intelligence pointed to an increased threat. Other high-level Trump administration officials, such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran aide Brian Hook, continue to receive 24/7 protection due to credible threats from Iran. The Biden administration has extended these protective measures multiple times since taking office.
Former defense officials, including ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper, retired Army General Mark Milley, and retired Marine General Frank McKenzie, also receive ongoing protection. The State Department previously reported that it was paying over $2 million per month for the security of Pompeo and Hook, although it has since stopped providing cost figures to Congress.
