In recent weeks, US authorities received intelligence from a human source regarding a plot by Iran to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, leading the Secret Service to enhance security measures around him, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter who spoke to CNN. However, there is no indication that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to kill Trump on Saturday, was connected to this plot.The existence of this intelligence threat from a hostile foreign intelligence agency, coupled with the increased security for Trump, raises questions about the security lapses that occurred during the Saturday rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite the heightened security measures, a 20-year-old man managed to access a nearby rooftop and fire shots that injured the former president.According to a US national security official, the Secret Service and Trump campaign were informed of the threat prior to Saturday’s rally. “Secret Service learned of the increased threat from this threat stream,” the official told CNN. “NSC directly contacted USSS at a senior level to be absolutely sure they continued to track the latest reporting. USSS shared this information with the detail lead, and the Trump campaign was made aware of an evolving threat. In response to the increased threat, Secret Service surged resources and assets for the protection of former President Trump. All of this was in advance of Saturday.”The Trump campaign declined to comment on whether they were aware of the Iran threat, saying, “We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to The United States Secret Service.” The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the agency had “added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail.”Sources revealed that Secret Service officials have repeatedly warned the Trump campaign against holding outdoor rallies due to the greater security risks they pose compared to events where the agency can better control access. These warnings have been more general in nature. The campaign made the decision to discontinue impromptu events without prior Secret Service screening of attendees at a certain juncture in the election cycle, citing security reasons as the primary factor behind this change.In response to inquiries about the shooting on Saturday, the FBI, which is leading the investigation, refrained from providing any comments. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, asserted that based on current information, there appears to be no connection between the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, and any other individuals. “The investigation of Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Trump is active and ongoing. At this time, law enforcement has reported that their investigation has not identified ties between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic,” Watson said.
