The Secret Service now admits that it turned down some requests from Donald Trump’s campaign for additional security at his events before the recent assassination attempt.
Initially, after the attack on July 13, the agency denied rejecting such requests. However, a week later, the Secret Service acknowledged that it had refused some requests for increased security around the former president.
This reversal is expected to be a focal point of a congressional hearing where Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle will testify. Lawmakers have been expressing anger over security failures that allowed a gunman to shoot at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, resulting in injuries and a fatality.
After the attempt, reports surfaced that the agency had declined the Trump campaign’s security requests. However, the agency initially denied this. Subsequently, it confirmed that modifications were made to ensure the protectee’s security.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas labeled the incident a “failure,” prompting calls for Cheatle’s resignation. President Joe Biden supports Cheatle and has ordered an independent investigation.
Trump criticized the security lapses, questioning how the gunman gained access to the building’s roof without being reported. Witnesses reported seeing the suspicious individual before the shooting.
