UPDATE: Sunday, July 14 11:16 am
A spokesperson for the Secret Service (USSS) told CBS News that the agency had recently increased the protective resources and capabilities for Trump's security detail. The spokesperson stated that the claim that a request for additional security for Trump was rejected by the USSS or DHS is “absolutely false.”
“There's an untrue assertion that a member of the former President's team requested additional security resources & that those were rebuffed. This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo,” USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi posted to X on Sunday morning.
The FBI also responded to the accusation: “There was no additional request for security that was ever denied by the FBI,” said the FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office to reporters.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
According to preliminary reporting, the Trump campaign's requests for increased Secret Service protection were allegedly denied prior to Saturday's assassination attempt.
Posting on X, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) shared the troubling accusation:
I have very reliable sources telling me there have been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Denied by Secretary Mayorkas.
Calls for Accountability
In the wake of Saturday's security lapse, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has called for United States Secret Service (USSS) Director Cheadle to testify about the incident. Comer emphasized the urgency by stating a hearing on the Trump shooting should happen “soon.”
Public Outcry and Reactions
The assassination attempt has left many questioning the Secret Service's effectiveness. One commenter expressed frustration on X early Sunday morning:
Every sniper and special forces friend I've talked to is irate over what happened today. All of them simply can't believe this happened because it's so far beneath their training, their situational awareness and their common sense.
We need mass firings or arrests.
Incident Details
An alarming detail emerged when a female agent, standing outside the SUV with Trump inside, appeared to struggle with holstering her service weapon. This has raised further concerns about the preparedness and response of the Secret Service agents on duty.
Suspect Identified
The FBI has identified the suspect as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20. Crooks reportedly donated to Democrat-aligned ActBlue on Biden's inauguration day, yet voter rolls show he was a registered Republican.
Family and Community Reactions
Crooks' father, who spoke with CNN, is seeking answers: “I'm trying to find out what the hell is going on” and will “wait until I talk to law enforcement to say more.”
A former classmate described Crooks:
He didn't seem like really weird or anything. I would have pegged him as a Republican.
The classmate added:
He was more of a loner. He probably had a friend group but not many friends.
Conclusion
The assassination attempt has opened a broad discussion about the effectiveness of Trump's Secret Service detail. As investigations continue, the public and officials alike are demanding answers and accountability.
READ NEXT: Trump Issues Unbelievable Response After Assassination Attempt
“ The FBI has identified the suspect as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20. Crooks reportedly donated to Democrat-aligned ActBlue on Biden’s inauguration day, yet voter rolls show he was a registered Republican.”
I don’t know many high school students making donations to political groups. This sounds questionable.