Washington — In light of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, President Biden called for increased support to the Secret Service, stating that it “needs more help.” The president emphasized that he believes Congress should respond to their needs, as the situation demonstrates the importance of safeguarding high-profile figures.
President Biden expressed his relief that Trump was unharmed in Sunday’s incident and acknowledged the efforts of the Secret Service personnel involved. Thank God the president is OK,” he said before departing for a day trip to Philadelphia.
According to reports, alleged gunman Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested after being discovered hiding with an AK-47-style rifle in the bushes near Trump’s West Palm Beach, Fla., golf course as the Republican presidential nominee played a round of golf. After a Secret Service advance officer fired at Routh, he fled but was later taken into custody.
Routh had previously used some of the same political messaging as Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on social media, posting messages such as “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose.
The incident has raised questions about security protocols for former presidents, particularly during high-profile events. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw highlighted that Trump’s current security measures are lighter due to his status as a non-sitting president, stating that “the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.” However, he acknowledged that there may be an increased presence around the perimeter in the future when Trump visits a golf course.
This recent assassination attempt on Trump follows another incident on July 13, where the former president’s ear was grazed by a bullet at a rally in Butler, Pa., when a gunman climbed onto an unguarded roof less than 150 yards from Trump. This event drew bipartisan outrage over apparent security lapses, prompting increased calls for greater protection for high-profile figures such as former presidents.
As a result, Trump’s allies in Congress have demanded a larger force to protect him ahead of the upcoming Nov. 5 election, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals in an increasingly unpredictable political climate.
