Secret Service protection has been increased for former President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Monday. The decision comes in light of evolving threats to the former president as he transitions from presumptive nominee to nominee for the Republican Party.
Mayorkas stated, “This includes enhancements related to securing the former president during the Republican National Convention this week. I cannot discuss specifics as they involve sensitive tactics and procedures. I can say, however, that personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added.”
In addition to the increased protection for Trump, “adjustments” have also been made to President Joe Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’ protective details, Mayorkas said.
Furthermore, Mayorkas announced an independent review of the shooting incident involving suspected gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks. The review will be launched in the coming days and will be led by an independent entity to ensure transparency and credibility.
The FBI has gained access to Crooks’ phone and is continuing to analyze his electronic devices. Searches of his home and car have been completed, and nearly 100 individuals have been interviewed as part of the investigation.
The FBI is treating the shooting as an assassination attempt on former President Trump and as potential domestic terrorism. The agency emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to come forward with any information related to the incident.
Overall, the increased security measures for Trump and the ongoing investigation into the shooting highlight the complex and high-stakes nature of protecting current and former political figures in the United States.