AUpon learning of the threat, the administration led by Democrat Joe Biden contacted senior intelligence officials to warn them, two US officials told the Associated Press (AP).
The information was shared with the top agent in Trump’s protection team and the Republican campaign, the sources added, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that the threat prompted the agency to increase resources and assets.
According to The New York Times, US intelligence services were tracking what they believed to be a potential Iranian assassination plot against former President Donald Trump in the weeks leading up to the weekend attack.
The additional resources did not prevent Saturday’s attack at a rally. Trump was injured at a campaign event in Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire on the stage where the former president was giving a speech. One of the bullets hit his right ear, causing a minor injury.
A former firefighter identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, died while protecting his family from shots fired by Thomas Crooks, 20, who was later killed by authorities.
“As we have said many times, we have been monitoring Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials for years, dating back to the last administration,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.
“These threats arise from Iran’s desire to seek revenge for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani. We consider this a national and internal security issue of the highest priority,” he said.
Trump ordered the assassination of Soleimani, who led the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, in 2020.
“At this time, law enforcement authorities report that their investigation has not identified any links between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic,” Watson added.
Federal authorities have also warned of possible copycat attacks or election-related retaliation following the attempt on Trump’s life. As a result, a noticeably beefed-up security detail has surrounded President Joe Biden while independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has received Secret Service protection.
Presidents — and presidential candidates — are always the target of threats, but the online rhetoric following Saturday’s attack at a Pennsylvania rally has been particularly troubling, “given that individuals in some online communities have threatened, encouraged or referenced acts of violence in response to the assassination attempt,” according to a joint Homeland Security and FBI intelligence report obtained by the AP.
Read Also: Trump to hold first campaign rally since assassination attempt
Download our free App.
Eighth consecutive year Consumer Choice for Online Press and elected product of the year 2024.
* Study by Netsonda, Nov. and Dec. 2023 productoftheyear- pt.com
Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2599413/seguranca-de-trump-foi-reforcada-antes-de-sabado-devido-a-ameaca-do-irao
