In the wake of a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, President Biden has called for increased support for the Secret Service.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden stated, “The Service needs more help. I think Congress should respond to their needs if they in fact need more personnel.”
The alleged gunman, Ryan Wesley Routh, appeared in a Florida court on Monday, facing federal gun charges. Prosecutors are expected to pursue more serious charges as the case progresses to a grand jury.
Routh allegedly came within 300-500 yards of Trump while carrying an SKS-style rifle, highlighting concerns about the adequacy of security surrounding the former president.
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Several members of Congress, from both major parties, have urged for presidential candidates, especially Trump, to receive the same level of protection as a sitting president. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw pointed out the disparity in security measures: “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded.”
Routh has been charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Another hearing is scheduled next week to determine whether he will remain in custody.
Trump assured supporters that he was safe and thanked the Secret Service for their swift response, calling their efforts “incredible.” However, politicians across the aisle have raised concerns about the need for heightened protection. “It is inexplicable that this happened again,” tweeted Republican Representative Claudia Tenney.
“President Trump needs the same, if not more, Secret Service protection than a sitting President.”
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna echoed the urgency, tweeting: “Two assassination attempts in 60 days on a former President & the Republican nominee is unacceptable.”
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He urged the Secret Service to brief Congress on their resource needs, calling for a bipartisan vote to expand the protective perimeter.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump attributed the attack to the rhetoric of President Biden and Vice President Harris, claiming, “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at.”
Both Biden and Harris condemned the incident. In a statement, Biden said he was “relieved” that Trump was unharmed and pledged full support to the Secret Service to ensure the former president’s safety. Vice President Harris expressed her “deep disturbance” over the attempt and emphasized the need to prevent further violence.
Former Secret Service agents have suggested that Trump may require more protection than previous former presidents due to his ongoing presidential campaign. “We now have to re-evaluate,” said Barry Donadio, a former agent. “Should all these candidates get the same presidential protective package? I think that’s probably going to have to be the answer.”
The recent attempt follows a similar assassination attempt in July, which led to the resignation of Secret Service Chief Kimberly Cheatle, who admitted the agency had experienced a “significant operational failure.” Ronald Rowe, her successor, is reportedly heading to Florida to address the situation.
