Donald Trump’s multiple requests for enhanced security were consistently denied by the Secret Service over the past two years, leading up to an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, according to new reports.

Despite denying repeated appeals for additional protection, the Secret Service only upgraded Trump’s security after last Saturday's rally attack, as the New York Post explains, despite agency statements to the contrary.

In the two years prior to the incident, the former president sought more agents, magnetometers at public events, and additional snipers for outdoor venues, sources now say. However, senior officials consistently rejected these requests, citing a lack of resources.

On the day of the assassination attempt, local law enforcement and Secret Service agents were responsible for securing the rally. The event took place at a Republican presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Assassination Attempt Shocks Rally Attendees

During the rally, 20-year-old Matthew Thomas Crooks opened fire from a rooftop 130 yards away. The gunfire grazed Trump in the ear, resulted in the death of an audience member behind the stage, and seriously injured two other individuals.

Following the attack, the Secret Service increased Trump’s security detail to match that of President Joe Biden. Initially, the agency denied receiving any requests for increased security from Trump’s camp, labeling such claims as “absolutely false.”

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refuted the allegations in a meeting with Trump campaign leaders. However, Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service spokesman, later admitted that the agency had indeed denied Trump’s requests.

Security Requests and Denials Explained

Guglielmi explained that specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided and that local law enforcement partners were utilized instead. He stated, “Some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided.”

He further noted, “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. We execute a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs.”

On the day of the Butler rally, Secret Service headquarters denied additional resources, leading to the reliance on local law enforcement for security, insiders have revealed.

Trump’s security details typically request resources from Secret Service headquarters, which then either approves or denies them. In cases of denial, local field office resources, including local law enforcement, are used to backfill the request.

Post-Attack Security Measures Intensified

The Secret Service has faced significant criticism for its failure to prevent Crooks from carrying out the attack. The agency’s decision-making process and resource allocation have come under scrutiny following the incident.

Despite the attack, Trump has continued his campaign, albeit with enhanced security measures. At a subsequent indoor event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was accompanied by an unprecedented level of police officers.

In light of these developments, the debate over resource allocation and security protocols for former presidents has intensified. The Secret Service’s actions and decisions are now being examined more closely to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Trump’s campaign team has expressed their concerns about the agency’s handling of the situation and the initial denial of increased security requests. Officials argue that the attack could have been prevented with better security measures in place.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s repeated requests for increased security were denied by the Secret Service over a two-year period, leading up to an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.

The attack, which occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in injuries and one attendee's death. Following the incident, the Secret Service upgraded Trump’s security detail to match that of President Biden.

The agency initially denied receiving the requests, but later admitted to rejecting them due to resource constraints. The Secret Service has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, prompting a review of security protocols for former presidents.