NO SECRET
Donald Trump was warned against outdoor rally & security was ramped up over assassination plot by Iran before shooting
Former federal agents criticized the Secret Service for its lack of proactivity on Saturday
DONALD Trump had been warned against holding outdoor rallies and his Secret Service detail was increased due to an assassination plot by Iran before Saturday's shooting, according to reports.
Weeks before the former president was the target of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, a source alerted authorities of a plan by Iran to assassinate the business mogul.
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The tip led to increased security for Trump, reported.
No connection has been made between Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who shot at the former president, and the Iranian government.
Instead, the National Security Council noted that Iran has been threatening Trump for years.
In 2020, Trump became the focus of Iran's attention after he ordered the killing of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s Quds Force's leader, Soleimani, reported.
“As we have said many times, we have been tracking Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials for years, dating back to the last administration,” said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
“These threats arise from Iran’s desire to seek revenge for the killing of Qassem Soleimani.
"We consider this a national and homeland security matter of the highest priority.
“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."
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In a statement about Iran's threats to Trump's life and the Secret Service's response, the Trump campaign said, "We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to the United States Secret Service.”
In addition to warning the Trump campaign against holding outdoor events, a Secret Service spokesperson said the agency "added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail."
Inside FBI investigation into failed Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks
“Secret Service learned of the increased threat from this threat stream,” an agency official told CNN.
“NSC directly contacted USSS at a senior level to be absolutely sure 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.
"In response to the increased threat, Secret Service surged resources and assets for the protection of former President Trump. All of this was in advance of Saturday.”
The increase in security and the already existing threat from a hostile nation on Trump's life make Saturday's events even more puzzling.
Crooks sat on a rooftop 430 feet away from the former president as he took aim.
The shooting left the president wounded with blood dripping down the side of his face, one attendee dead, and two others seriously injured.
Donald Trump Rally Security
Donald Trump was reportedly shot at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, July 13.
Trump's rally was held at the Butler Farm Grounds, which can hold tens of thousands of people.
There were 8-10 metal detectors at the grounds, according to Former USUN Ambassador Kip Tom.
Tom told CNN that anyone within a certain distance of the president was required to enter through those metal detectors.
Despite being held at an open fairground, the rally was fenced-in, meaning a perimeter was set up.
Counter snipers from the Secret Service were stationed in the area to monitor the perimeter.
In addition to metal detectors for the public, plus local and state police, the Secret Service is assigned to protect the president.
Secret Service agents immediately jumped to cover Trump after he appeared to be shot.
"We have practiced for these situations thousands of times," Jonathan Wackrow, former agent, told CNN.
CNN also reported that the Secret Service shot and killed the reported shooter.
The FBI assumed the larger investigation of the shooting, working in tandem with the Secret Service.
Secret Service agents swarmed Trump on stage and immediately protected him, tackling him to the ground so hard that he lost his shoes.
In a video of the moment the agents toppled him, the former president could be heard saying "Let me get my shoes," before being rushed off stage.
Snipers for the Secret Service promptly shot and killed Crooks after the attack.
FBI officials said they believed the shooter acted alone and did not mention any indication Crooks was working with Iran, reported.
Trump announced Tuesday that his next rally would be held indoors alongside his running mate JD Vance on July 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, reported.
Despite the acts of heroism by those immediately surrounding the presidential candidate, the Secret Service has been the subject of criticism in the aftermath.
Former federal agents said the Secret Service failed its mission in preventing an attack like Saturday's from happening, reported.
"I think what you saw with the guy who was able to sneak on top of a roof is possibly because you had unqualified people not doing surveillance of the area," 22-year Air Force veteran Darrell Smith previously told The U.S. Sun.
"I mean I'm a retired Air Force guy, I would have had drones in the area, surveilling the air, and you would have easily seen somebody on the rooftop, not just at ground level, and they obviously weren't doing that.
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"You got about three minutes of a guy that said 'I saw a guy with a rifle climb on the roof,' and no one told him about it.
"I've been in several military operations and three minutes means life and death, and we're just very lucky that Trump didn't lose his life."
Since the assassination attempt, the Secret Service announced it will provide even more security during the Republican National Convention, taking place this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have put in place, which we have reviewed and strengthened in the wake of Saturday’s shooting," Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said in a statement.
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"The Secret Service is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of protecting the current and former leaders of our democracy."
"It is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously, and I am committed to fulfilling that mission."
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
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