Reuters reported that the United States is on high alert following intelligence about an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
The intelligence has raised serious concerns among U.S. officials about potential Iranian retaliation for the January 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military commander. The Secret Service has taken steps to bolster Trump's security and informed his campaign of the evolving threat.
The White House declined to comment on the specifics of the intelligence but noted there were no indications that the shooter in Saturday’s attempted assassination had any accomplices. The incident, which occurred during a rally, saw a gunman access a rooftop and open fire, grazing Trump's ear, killing a rallygoer, and wounding two others.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating,
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. 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.
Iran has dismissed the allegations as "unsubstantiated and malicious," rejecting any involvement in the plot. In a statement to Reuters, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York declared that Trump should be prosecuted for ordering the assassination of Soleimani and reiterated their commitment to seeking legal avenues for justice.
Upon learning of the threat, the National Security Council contacted the Secret Service, prompting an increase in resources and assets dedicated to Trump's protection. This move underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. government is treating the potential threat.
The Secret Service has faced criticism for the security lapse during Saturday’s attempted assassination, which allowed the 20-year-old gunman to come alarmingly close to killing Trump. The incident has led President Joe Biden to order an independent review of the breach, with Congress also launching probes into the Secret Service’s handling of the situation.
The Trump campaign was promptly informed of the heightened threat, and additional measures have been put in place to ensure the former president’s safety. The intelligence about the Iranian plot has only intensified scrutiny of the Secret Service’s protocols and response capabilities.
U.S. officials have long been wary of potential Iranian retaliation following the January 2020 drone strike that killed Soleimani. The assassination of the Iranian commander has been a significant point of contention between the two nations, with Iran vowing to seek justice for his death.
Iran's mission to the United Nations reiterated its stance, stating,
From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump is a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law for ordering the assassination of General Soleimani. Iran has chosen the legal path to bring him to justice.
The intelligence regarding the Iranian plot has led to increased security measures around Trump, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by former U.S. officials. The Secret Service’s response to the attempted assassination and the subsequent intelligence has come under intense scrutiny, prompting both independent and congressional reviews.
In conclusion, recent intelligence indicating an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump has prompted significant security measures and investigations. The Secret Service has bolstered protection efforts, and both President Biden and Congress are probing the agency's handling of a recent security breach.
Iran has denied the allegations, labeling them as malicious, while reiterating its commitment to seeking justice for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani. This development underscores the ongoing tensions and security concerns stemming from past international conflicts.
