Republican senators are demanding that the Secret Service enhance former President Donald Trump’s security following a second assassination attempt against him in less than two months. The senators, led by Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), argue that the current level of protection is inadequate and have formally requested increased resources for Trump’s security detail. The call for enhanced security comes after a suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly attempting to assassinate Trump while he was golfing at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Routh allegedly pushed the muzzle of an SKS rifle through the chain-link fence surrounding the course. The Secret Service responded by opening fire, and Routh fled in a black Nissan before being apprehended. This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt against Trump since July, when a man was arrested for attempting to breach the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
In their letter to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, Marshall, Tuberville, and six other Republican senators, including James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), requested that Trump be designated as a protectee with the same level of security as a sitting president. They argue that the threats against Trump’s life have escalated to a level that warrants heightened security measures.
Senator Marshall stated that the current level of Secret Service protection around Trump is “completely insufficient” and that “keeping President Trump safe is non-negotiable.” Tuberville echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and calling for a “no-fail” approach to protecting the former president.
The senators have also requested a briefing from the Secret Service on the ongoing threat environment and the agency’s plans to protect Trump. They have demanded answers regarding the resources allocated following the first attempted assassination in July and the steps taken to enhance Trump’s protection. Additionally, they have questioned the specifics of President Biden’s recent directive to ensure the Secret Service has “every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary” to protect Trump.
The senators’ demands come amidst a tense political climate leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Trump has declared his candidacy and is currently facing numerous legal challenges. This, combined with the recent assassination attempts, has heightened concerns about his safety and security.
