Florida Congressman Mike Waltz has made a serious allegation regarding the security of former US President Donald Trump. He claims that the Secret Service was repeatedly requested to increase protection for Trump, but these requests were denied by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Waltz, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “I have very reliable sources telling me there have been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Denied by Secretary Mayorkas.” This claim comes in the wake of an assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday, July 14th. While many, including Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, have praised the Secret Service for their quick response to the attack, Waltz’s statement raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Trump’s security detail.
Following the incident, a report by Hindustan Times highlighted several apparent security lapses. The report claims that Trump was exposed at 360 degrees during the rally, allowing the assassin to fire at least five shots from an AR-15 assault rifle. This is in stark contrast to the security measures employed by India’s Special Protection Group (SPG) for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which only allows for 180-degree exposure. The report also notes that the assassin was spotted just 120 yards from the stage, despite the effective range of the AR-15 being 400 meters. Had Trump not moved at the last moment, the report states, the bullet likely would have hit its target.
The HT report further emphasizes the difference in security protocols, stating that the SPG conducts a 200 square meter sweep around the stage when Modi is speaking, with a safety buffer of 50-100 meters between the public and the VVIP.
A top Indian security expert, commenting on the incident, gave the US Secret Service a score of 6/10 for their handling of the assassination attempt. The expert highlighted the faulty access control and the lack of protection for Trump’s head while he was being escorted to his vehicle. This vulnerability, according to the expert, could have made Trump a target for multiple attackers.
Waltz’s accusations, coupled with the security expert’s assessment, raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service and their ability to protect high-profile individuals. The incident has prompted a renewed focus on the security protocols surrounding Trump, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation and potential changes to ensure the safety of individuals at risk.
