The U.S. Secret Service has temporarily reassigned agents from President Joe Biden’s protection detail to enhance security for former President Donald Trump. This decision arises from an increased threat of violence against Mr. Trump, coupled with a decrease in travel obligations for President Biden, as reported by several sources familiar with the situation.
In response to the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump last month, the Secret Service has implemented various measures to bolster the former president’s security. These measures include the deployment of bullet-resistant glass at upcoming outdoor campaign events and the reallocation of resources from President Biden’s security team to ensure Mr. Trump’s safety.
According to an anonymous Secret Service official, such a reassignment is uncommon but deemed necessary in light of the current threats. A spokesperson for the White House initially refrained from commenting on this matter, while Trump’s campaign declined to provide a statement.
The Secret Service has faced scrutiny following the incident on July 13, when an armed individual managed to fire at Mr. Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack not only narrowly missed the former president but also resulted in the death of a participant and severely injured two others. Investigations by the FBI and Congressional leaders are currently underway, and the agency has accepted responsibility for the security lapses that permitted this attack, leading to the resignation of agency director Kimberly Cheatle.
Amidst recovering from this significant breach of security—the most serious in over four decades—the Secret Service is still tasked with protecting a host of current and former officials, as well as their families, during what is proving to be a challenging election year. Former agent Donald Mihalek noted that the Secret Service’s operations are designed to be adaptable to both known and unknown threats, asserting, “The steps that the Secret Service is taking are a natural part of its asymmetric approach to ensure mission success.”
While it is uncommon for the Secret Service to utilize bullet-resistant glass for individuals other than the current president or vice president, it is not unheard of. The agency typically transports this heavy material via military aircraft, which can alleviate logistical concerns. In Mr. Trump’s case, plans are being made to have bullet-resistant glass strategically located across various sites for future campaign events.
As Mr. Trump prepares for his upcoming engagements, including a return to Butler, he has expressed a desire to continue rallying his supporters. In a recent interview with businessman Elon Musk, he stated, “We will return in October.” Meanwhile, the adjustments made by the Secret Service underscore its commitment to adapting security measures in response to evolving threats.