Biden Urges More Secret Service Support After Trump Attack

President Joe Biden expressed concern about the state of the Secret Service, emphasizing that the agency “needs more help” following a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump within just two months. Biden’s remarks came after another potential attack on Trump’s life occurred on Sunday, raising alarms about security measures in place to protect the former president. Speaking to reporters outside the White House before boarding Marine One on Monday, Biden reiterated his concern and gratitude that Trump was unharmed. “One thing I want to make clear . . . the Secret Service needs more help,” Biden stated, suggesting that the agency might be facing issues related to resources and staffing. He further urged Congress to provide more support, adding, “If they in fact need more services, Congress should act.”

The incident Biden referred to involved a suspect who was allegedly seen aiming a rifle at Trump while he was golfing at his West Palm Beach course in Florida on Sunday. Secret Service agents acted swiftly, firing shots at the individual, who was within a firing range of Trump. Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the incident as an assassination attempt, the second such occurrence targeting Trump in less than two months. This latest threat has heightened concern among lawmakers, who are questioning how two different gunmen managed to get close to Trump on separate occasions, despite his security detail.

The first assassination attempt happened in July at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a shooter fired at Trump, grazing his ear. Although Trump escaped with minor injuries, a bystander was killed in that attack, leading to questions about lapses in security measures. These incidents have prompted a growing bipartisan chorus in Congress to call for increased protection for Trump, who remains a high-profile figure with significant influence within the Republican Party.

Republican lawmakers, in particular, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the current level of security. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., took to Twitter on Monday, calling for answers. “Getting answers to how President Trump has now faced multiple assassination attempts is a top priority,” Johnson tweeted. During an appearance on Fox News, he stressed that Trump “needs the most coverage of anyone . . . even probably more than when he was in the Oval Office.” Johnson and other Republicans are pushing for enhanced security, with some suggesting that Trump should receive the same level of protection as a sitting president.

Johnson further emphasized that the issue may not be related to funding but rather to manpower. He stated, “I don’t think it’s a funding issue; I think it’s a manpower allocation issue.” Johnson said the House is “demanding” that Trump be provided with “every asset available,” and that more resources would be allocated if necessary to ensure his safety. The urgency of Johnson’s remarks reflects a broader concern among Trump’s supporters, who believe that the former president remains a significant target for potential threats.

Trump, for his part, thanked the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their quick action in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “The incredible job done today at Trump International was absolutely outstanding,” Trump wrote early Monday, praising the agents and officers for their response to the incident.

In the wake of Sunday’s assassination attempt, several lawmakers have called for additional protective measures for Trump. A bipartisan group of legislators has expressed concern that Trump is not receiving adequate protection, with some even proposing that his security detail should mirror that of a sitting president. New York Republican Representatives Nick Langworthy and Nicole Malliotakis joined the calls, advocating for increased protection measures for Trump. Similarly, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., who was seriously injured in a shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017, tweeted that the Secret Service needs to enhance its security for Trump to its “FULL capabilities.” Democratic lawmakers also voiced their support for increased protection. Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., told Axios that Trump and other presidential candidates should receive the “highest level” of protection.

Local law enforcement officials have echoed concerns about the challenges in securing Trump at his various properties. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that the Secret Service is “limited” in its ability to protect Trump at his golf course due to the terrain. Bradshaw explained that the shrubbery surrounding the course presents a security challenge, as it allows potential attackers to hide. This, combined with the fact that Trump does not receive the same level of enhanced security as a sitting president, raises concerns about vulnerabilities in his protection.

The July assassination attempt also placed scrutiny on the Secret Service’s protocols. The director of the agency, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned after facing backlash over the security lapses at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. Reports indicated that Secret Service agents had ignored warnings from bystanders and snipers, who had spotted the gunman 20 minutes before the attack. This has led to calls for reforms within the agency, especially with regard to its handling of high-profile threats.

A surprising factor contributing to the strain on the Secret Service is the increasing number of former presidents requiring protection. According to government records, the number of former presidents under the Secret Service’s protection has grown, even as the agency’s budget has nearly doubled. Despite these increases in funding, the size of the protective detail for presidents and vice presidents has reportedly shrunk by about 10% over the past decade. Additionally, both Trump and Biden have large families and multiple properties, adding further strain to the agency’s resources.

As the FBI continues its investigation into Sunday’s assassination attempt, law enforcement arrested a suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, in connection with the attack. Authorities reported that Secret Service agents had spotted the barrel of a rifle pointed toward the golf course before opening fire on the suspect. Routh fled the scene but was later arrested after a vehicle matching the description given by witnesses was found. Though Routh is expected to appear in federal court on Monday, details about the charges and his motive remain unclear. The FBI is treating the case as an assassination attempt against Trump, but more information is likely to emerge as the investigation unfolds.