In recent weeks, US authorities have received information about an Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. This has led to increased protection of the former president by the "Secret Service" in recent weeks, CNN reported.
There is no indication that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who tried to kill Trump on July 13, was connected to the plot.
The presence of an intelligence threat from a hostile foreign intelligence service — and Trump's heightened security — raised new questions about security lapses at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. It remains a mystery how a 20-year-old man was able to gain access to a nearby rooftop to fire the shots that wounded the Republican presidential candidate.
A US national security official said the Secret Service and the Trump campaign had been briefed on the threat before the July 13 rally.
"The Secret Service has learned of the increased threat from this stream of threats. The National Security Council (NSC) has contacted the Senior Security Service (SSL) directly to make absolutely sure that they continue to monitor the latest communications. The head of Trump's campaign was informed of the developing threat. In response to the increased threat, the Secret Service increased resources and assets to protect former President Trump. This all happened before July 13," the official said.
The Trump campaign did not say whether it had been notified of the threat from Iran.
"We do not comment on President Trump's security. All questions should be directed to the Secret Service," the campaign said.
Secret Service officials have repeatedly warned the Trump campaign against holding outdoor rallies that pose greater risks than events to which the agency can better control access, people familiar with the matter said.
"At one point during this election cycle, the campaign stopped holding spontaneous off-the-record events where guests were not pre-vetted by the Secret Service due to security concerns," a source familiar with the matter said.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation into Saturday's shooting, declined to comment.
Secret Service spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said there is currently no known connection between shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks and anyone else. | BGNES