World
U.S. Intelligence Agencies Tracking Potential Iranian Assassination Plot Against Former President Trump
Stay informed about the latest developments as U.S. intelligence agencies monitor a potential Iranian assassination plot targeting former President Trump. Learn more about the ongoing investigation and security measures in place.
U.S. intelligence agencies had been monitoring a potential Iranian assassination plot targeting former President Donald J. Trump in the weeks leading up to a recent incident where a gunman fired at Mr. Trump. While officials stated that they did not believe the threat was directly related to the shooting incident, the Secret Service had taken additional security measures for Mr. Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pa., following the intelligence reports.
The gunman, a 20-year-old local individual, managed to shoot at Mr. Trump during the rally, grazing his right ear. The incident highlighted concerns regarding Iranian retaliation for the 2020 strike that killed Iranian security and intelligence commander Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, who had been responsible for the deaths of numerous American troops over the years.
Reports indicated that the Trump campaign was briefed about the threat just prior to the shooting. Threats from Iran towards former Trump administration officials, such as Mike Pompeo and John R. Bolton, have been ongoing, leading to continued security details even after these officials left office.
According to a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, the Iranian threat against former Trump administration officials is a longstanding issue tied to seeking revenge for the death of Qassim Suleimani. The spokeswoman clarified that the Iranian plot was distinct from the attempted assassination in Butler.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas referenced an overseas threat during a recent White House briefing, highlighting the dynamic nature of the current threat landscape both domestically and internationally.
- The investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump is currently active and ongoing.
- No ties between the shooter and any accomplice, foreign or domestic, have been identified by law enforcement at this time.
It was also mentioned that the rise of domestic violent extremism and increasing foreign threats have added complexity to the current security environment.
Reported by David E. Sanger and Maggie Haberman.