In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, former President Trump said he would continue with the outdoor rally following the assassination attempt on him earlier this month, adding that the Secret Service would be stepping up security at the rally.
“I have agreed to continue outdoor rallies and that the Secret Service will significantly increase its activities,” Trump said. He said in a post on Truth Social. “They are fully capable of doing so. No one should be allowed to stop or disrupt free speech or assembly!!!”
Trump did not provide details about what additional measures the Secret Service would take to ensure security at the outdoor rally. The Secret Service has faced intense bipartisan criticism for its response to a rally where a gunman opened fire on Trump, killing one rallygoer and wounding two others. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday.
The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead after firing at the president.
The former president’s comments came after he said he would return to Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt took place on Friday, to hold another campaign rally.
“I will be returning to Butler, Pennsylvania for a big, amazing rally to honor the spirit of our beloved firefighter hero Corey and the brave patriots who were wounded two weeks ago. It will be a great day. Fight, fight, fight! Stay tuned for more details,” Trump wrote.
Firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed during the rally.
The Secret Service has asked the former president and his team to avoid holding large outdoor gatherings in the wake of the shooting, a source familiar with the situation said. be Tuesday report from The Washington Post.
Trump was seen with a bandage on one of his ears after the shooting, but on Friday at an event hosted by the conservative Christian group Turning Point Action, he said he had “taken the last bandage off my ear.”
“As you can see, I am recovering well and in fact I have just removed the last of the bandages that were around my ear,” the former president said.
Hill contacted the Secret Service.
