Donald Trump’s security detail increased in recent weeks after the U.S. became aware of an Iranian threat to assassinate the former president, according to three officials.
There is no indication the plot was related to Saturday’s assassination attempt on Trump during his rally in Pennsylvania.
Officials have suggested Iran is wanting revenge for the killing of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.
CNN was first to report the increased detail.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton have seen added security due to threats from Iran.
The Trump campaign would not disclose whether it was made aware of the Iran threat.
We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to The United States Secret Service,” the campaign said in a statement.
Secret Service officials have warned the Trump campaign repeatedly against holding outdoor rallies, which pose greater risks.
“The Secret Service and other agencies are constantly receiving new potential threat information and taking action to adjust resources, as needed,” Anthony Guglielmi, an agency spokesman, said on Tuesday. “We cannot comment on any specific threat stream, other than to say that the Secret Service takes threats seriously and responds accordingly.”
NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said there’s no known link between shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks and the Iran threat.
“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.
“We consider this a national and homeland security matter of the highest priority,” she said in a statement.
