Secret Service denies claims of refusing added protection for Trump

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen English
14 Jul 2024 18:31

The US Secret Service rejected claims of refusing extra security for US Presidential candidate Donald Trump before his Pennsylvania rally.

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Members of the U.S. Secret Service surround Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., US, on Saturday, July 13, 2024 (AP)

The US Secret Service dismissed allegations that it had denied additional security for US Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, before his campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear in an assassination attempt.

The Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a post on X that the assertions were "absolutely false," adding that the agency had "added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo."

Theres 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
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) July 14, 2024

Trump gets shot at a Pennsylvania rally

While giving a presidential speech at a Pennsylvania rally, former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot in what was coined an assassination attempt by Rep. Senator Rick Scott.

Moments after the shooting, security was able to approach Trump's podium to evacuate him. Trump appeared to have sustained mild wounds, as blood was seen running from the side of his head.

The presidential candidate was transported to a local medical center for medical testing and treatment. His presidential campaign and entourage consequently confirmed that the former president was fine and healthy.

Officials have also requested enhanced security, while authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

While giving a presidential speech at a #Pennsylvania rally, presidential candidate #DonaldTrump was shot, and appears to have sustained a mild gunshot wound.

Officials have told CBC News that the former president's state is fine, with his entourage requesting enhanced security.… https://t.co/TokXAkkhqu
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 13, 2024

Condemnations then poured amid the shooting, with Democratic Senator Chris Murphy saying "There is no room in America for political violence. We should all condemn what happened today and I am hoping for the health of the former president and everyone else at the rally."

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania took to X to extend prayers to the former president, while condemning the incident. "Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States."

He further confirmed that police have arrived at the scene and are cooperating with federal partners.

Former President Barack Obama also reiterated Biden's statement and took to X to express his wishes for Trump's speedy recovery.

"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."