US President Joe Biden has called for Donald Trump to be given all necessary security measures following two assassination attempts against the Republican nominee. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Biden stated that Trump should receive everything needed for his protection, as long as it doesn’t involve military fighter jets like F-15s.
Recent reports have revealed that Trump’s campaign has been in contact with the White House and the Secret Service seeking additional military assets for added protection. The requested security measures include aircraft and vehicles to transport Trump between campaign events, expanded flight restrictions over his homes and rallies. However, it is unclear whether the Republican campaign had sought fighter jet escorts.
Kamala Harris, Trump’s presidential rival, currently receives protection from the US Marines as Vice President and travels on a designated US military aircraft called Air Force Two. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidential candidates, has confirmed receiving requests for increased protection but has not disclosed details.
The agency is facing criticism following the first assassination attempt against Trump in July, which led to the resignation of its director. Since then, the Secret Service has increased its defensive measures for Trump, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-drone technology, and other protective and surveillance systems.
Last month, Trump claimed there were “big threats” to his life from Iran after meeting with representatives from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI. The agency declined to disclose details of the meeting, but the Trump campaign said it focused on “real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the US.
In July, Trump narrowly escaped death when a 20-year-old man fired shots from a rooftop during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, Thomas M. Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service, and his social media accounts were quickly deleted. Another would-be assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested by the Secret Service on September 15 after being spotted near a Trump-owned golf course in Florida, apparently attempting to take a shot at Trump.
The FBI is investigating both incidents as attempted assassinations, but no further information about possible motives or any links to an Iranian plot have been provided. The Secret Service will continue adjusting its protective posture to address evolving threats for the former president and other candidates during the election cycle.