US Secret Service and FBI "Never Refused Request to Strengthen Trump Security"

Republicans Claim "Department of Homeland Security Refuses to Strengthen Security"

The United States Secret Service (SS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the 13th (local time) fully denied claims that authorities refused additional security reinforcement prior to the shooting incident targeting former President Donald Trump during an outdoor campaign event.

Anthony Guglielmi of the SS, responsible for protecting current and former presidents and key figures, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the 14th, stating, "The SS increased protective resources, technology, and capability support in line with the campaign schedule," and categorically dismissed the claim that the SS refused to strengthen security for former President Trump as completely false.

Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI's Pittsburgh office in Pennsylvania, also stated, "There has been no case of refusing additional security requests."

However, the Republican Party is attempting to shift responsibility for the incident to the Biden administration, alleging that the Department of Homeland Security, under which the SS operates, ignored multiple requests for enhanced security.

Republican Congressman Mike Waltz claimed on X, "I have solid information that there were repeated strong requests for enhanced security for former President Trump," and added, "These were rejected by Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas."

The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee plans to launch a separate investigation into the matter.

The day before, former President Trump was shot during an outdoor campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Around 6 p.m. (Eastern Time), about five minutes after he began his speech, multiple gunshots rang out, and a bullet grazed former President Trump's right ear. Although he suffered significant bleeding from the shooting, Trump was unharmed and, supported by security personnel, quickly left the campaign site while clenching his fist to supporters. The shooter was killed.