Former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot during a campaign event, and U.S. authorities have reportedly obtained intelligence of an assassination plot against Trump by Iran, leading to increased security measures in recent weeks.
CNN reported on the 16th (local time), citing multiple officials briefed on the matter, that authorities recently secured the intelligence and the Secret Service (SS) has raised the level of protection.
However, the broadcast added that there is no evidence yet linking the suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot Trump at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally on the 13th, to this matter.
CNN pointed out, "The assassination threat from a hostile nation and the resulting security enhancement raise new questions about the security gaps during the rally and how a 20-year-old climbed onto a rooftop near the rally venue and shot the former president, injuring him."
According to U.S. national security officials, the SS and the Trump campaign were aware of the Iranian threat before the rally on the 13th. One official stated, "The National Security Council (NSC) contacted the SS directly at a high level to ensure they were continuously tracking the latest information. This was shared with detailed personnel, and the Trump campaign became aware of the risk." He added, "In response to the increased threat, the SS increased the protective resources and assets for former President Trump. This was done prior to the 13th."
The Trump camp responded, "We do not discuss the details of former President Trump's security," and said, "All questions should be directed to the SS."
The SS has confirmed that it increased the number of security personnel and resources assigned to former President Trump shortly after the shooting.
Sources said the SS repeatedly warned the Trump camp to avoid outdoor rallies, which are more vulnerable to risks than controlled-access events, but these warnings were at a general level.
Adrian Watson, NSC spokesperson, said, "The investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Trump is actively ongoing," and added, "Currently, investigators have found no links between the shooter and any domestic or international accomplices or conspirators."
He also confirmed, "As we have mentioned several times, we have been tracking threats against officials from the Trump administration for years," and said, "These threats stem from Iran's desire for revenge over the killing of General Qasem Soleimani."
The United Nations (UN) Iranian delegation rebutted, stating, "The assassination plot against Trump is baseless and malicious," and added, "From Iran's perspective, former President Trump should be tried in court for ordering the assassination of an Iranian general."
During his presidency, on January 3, 2020, General Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force under Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed near Baghdad International Airport in a U.S. missile strike using a drone.
Since then, U.S. intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned that Iran is targeting current and former senior U.S. government officials.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
