Elevated security measures for Trump were rejected for years
Multiple years before the attack on Donald Trump, his team requested to increase security measures surrounding the former President. The Secret Service refused. The agency had to make difficult decisions, as stated in the explanation.
High-ranking officials of the US Intelligence Services have repeatedly denied requests for additional resources and personnel for Trump's security team in the past two years. The "Washington Post" reported this based on four sources familiar with the requests.
Agents responsible for protecting the former President reportedly demanded better equipment and more personnel to screen participants of sports events and other large public gatherings where Trump participated. For outdoor events, they requested additional snipers and special teams.
These rejections - in response to repeatedly submitted written requests - led to long-lasting tensions, which put Trump, his closest advisors, and his security personnel against the leadership of the Secret Service. Trump's advisors were secretly frustrated that the revered security agency did not do enough to protect the former President.
Weighing against Trump
Initially, the Secret Service denied rejecting requests for additional security measures. However, they now admit that some requests may have been denied. According to arriving officials, the organization was forced to make difficult decisions, facing competing requests and a growing list of protection-needy individuals with limited resources.
During the rally on the previous Saturday, a shooter from a rooftop, approximately 150 meters away from the former President, could fire shots from an AR-15 rifle. Trump and two others were injured; a man in the crowd was killed. The Secret Service came under scrutiny for security lapses during the rally.
Despite repeated requests from Donald Trump's team for enhanced security measures, the Secret Service, under difficult circumstances, had to deny some of them due to competing requests and limited resources. Following the Assault on Donald Trump at a rally, where he and others were injured, accusations of security lapses against the Secret Service by the Republicans gained traction.
