(Scypre.com) – In a startling revelation, the United States has obtained intelligence indicating a plot by Iran to assassinate former President Donald Trump. This development, sourced from human intelligence in recent weeks, has led the Secret Service to ramp up security measures around Trump. According to several individuals briefed on the matter, the heightened security comes amidst a backdrop of growing international tension.
Security Breach at Pennsylvania Rally
Despite the serious nature of the threat, there is no evidence linking Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, to the alleged Iranian plot. Nonetheless, this raises significant questions about the potential security lapses that allowed a 20-year-old man to access a nearby rooftop and fire shots that injured the former president.
Secret Service Awareness and Response
A U.S. national security official revealed that both the Secret Service and the Trump campaign were informed of the threat prior to the Saturday rally. “Secret Service learned of the increased threat from this threat stream,” the official said. “NSC directly contacted USSS at a senior level to ensure they continued to track the latest reporting. USSS shared this information with the detail lead, and the Trump campaign was made aware of an evolving threat.”
The Trump campaign has remained tight-lipped about whether it was explicitly informed of the Iranian threat, declining to comment further on the security detail. “We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to The United States Secret Service,” the campaign stated.
Risks of Outdoor Rallies
According to sources briefed on the matter, the Secret Service has continuously warned the Trump campaign against holding outdoor rallies due to the heightened security risks compared to events where access can be more effectively controlled. These warnings have generally been broad, rather than specific to any particular threat.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, reinforced this general precaution. “The Secret Service and other agencies are constantly receiving new potential threat information and taking action to adjust resources as needed,” Guglielmi said. “We cannot comment on any specific threat stream, other than to say that the Secret Service takes threats seriously and responds accordingly.”
Ongoing FBI Investigation
The FBI, which is investigating the incident involving Crooks, has declined to comment on the matter. According to NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson, there are no known links between Crooks and anyone else at this time. “The investigation of Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Trump is active and ongoing. At this time, law enforcement has reported that their investigation has not identified ties between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic,” Watson said.
Iran’s Denial and Legal Stance
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations has vehemently denied any involvement in a plot to assassinate Trump. “These accusations are unsubstantiated and malicious,” a spokesperson stated. “From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump is a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law for ordering the assassination of General Soleimani. Iran has chosen the legal path to bring him to justice.”
In an interview airing on CNN, Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani reiterated this stance, emphasizing legal avenues over violent measures. “We will only resort to Iranian and international legal and judicial procedures. Until now, we have done it, and this is our right and of course we will continue it,” Kani said.
Upcoming Campaign Rally and Increased Threats
Despite the recent violence and heightened threats, Trump and Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio are scheduled to hold their first official campaign rally together on Saturday at an indoor arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The announcement on Tuesday has led to further scrutiny of security measures at such events.
Historical Context of Iranian Retaliation
The alleged plot is not the first of its kind. Iran has previously vowed revenge for the U.S. military’s killing of Qasem Soleimani. In August 2022, the Justice Department revealed criminal charges against a member of the IRGC for allegedly attempting to orchestrate the assassination of John Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also been targeted by similar Iranian plots, as per sources close to the investigation.
Security Measures for Former Officials
Due to ongoing threats from Iran, several former Trump administration officials, including Robert O’Brien, have been provided with security details. However, O’Brien’s security was reportedly dropped last summer, prompting him to hire private security. This move has caused frustration among lawmakers who were not given a specific reason for the decision. John Bolton, meanwhile, continues to receive Secret Service protection.
Increased Online Threats
For months, law enforcement officials have been contemplating the persistence of Iranian threats targeting former Trump officials, including Trump himself. Recent