Former President Trump's team has called for increased security, including military aircraft, to further protect Republican candidates in the final stages of the 2024 presidential election, citing threats from Iran.
Trump campaign co-manager Susie Wiles has made a series of requests to Secret Service Director Ronald Roe Jr., including providing military aircraft capable of shooting down surface-to-air missiles as the former president campaigns in battleground states. The Associated Press (AP) reported. reported.
The first development was reported According to the New York Times.
The campaign's request also includes providing armored vehicles, expanding temporary flight restrictions on Trump's destinations and gatherings, and providing additional funding for local law enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service. . Wiles asked the USSS to pre-install bulletproof glass in all seven battleground states for Trump's outdoor rally.
The Trump campaign aims to protect the Republican nominee on the same level as President Biden.
“Today, the former president is receiving the highest level of protection,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to The Hill. “The Secret Service remains vigilant and committed to mitigating evolving threats.” We will continue to adjust and strengthen our protection system as necessary.” . ”
The move for additional protection comes after the former president was the target of two assassination attempts in the past few months. He was grazed in the ear by a bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania in July. In a separate incident last month, a man was arrested and charged after allegedly shoving the muzzle of a rifle into a fence at President Trump's golf course in Florida.
In late September, a month after a Pakistani with suspected ties to the Iranian government was indicted on charges of plotting a political assassination in the United States, President Trump was briefed by intelligence officials about Iranian threats to his life. received.
“Support from the Department of Defense, including explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and air transport, is regularly provided for the protection of the former president,” Guglielmi said in a written statement.
He added: “Other enhancements made by the Secret Service include Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) at the former president's official residence and travel.” “Furthermore, the former president has received top-level technological security assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-unmanned aerial surveillance systems, ballistic and other advanced technology systems.”
His comments came after the House and Senate passed legislation earlier this month to increase security around political candidates, a measure seen as a victory for the Trump campaign.
The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.
