Donald Trump’s requests for additional security prior to last week’s assassination attempt were repeatedly rejected by Secret Service officials, The Washington Post has learned. The former president asked for more agents and magnetometers at large public events he attended as well as extra snipers for outdoor venues. Each request was denied by senior officials who claimed the agency lacked the resources Trump was asking for.
Secret Service agents, along with local law enforcement, were responsible for securing the rally when 20-year-old gunman Matthew Thomas Crooks opened fire at Trump’s campaign outdoor rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday, hitting him in the ear and killing an audience member. The shooting raised outrage over the security lapse, leading to increased protection for Trump that brought his security detail up to the same level as President Biden.
Initially denying claims of additional requested security, the Secret Service has since admitted to denying Trump’s request, stating they had only recently learned about the new information in the wake of the tragedy. The agency utilized state or local partners to add protections in lieu of specialized units.
Insiders told The Post that local law enforcement was recruited for the Butler, Pennsylvania rally because Secret Service headquarters denied the ex-president’s request for extra resources. Ultimately, the Secret Service headquarters is the authority on what resources are permitted to be doled out.
Despite the assassination attempt and lack of additional security in the past, Trump has continued on the campaign trail with increased security at his disposal.
