Shooting Incident at Trump Rally Resulting in Tragedy
On July 13, during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, a gunman opened fire, with a bullet grazing the upper part of the former president’s ear. The shooter, identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crook, was subsequently shot and killed by the Secret Service.
Source: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Tragically, a 50-year-old rally attendee and former firefighter, Corey Comperatore, also lost his life during the incident.
Increased Scrutiny
In the aftermath, federal law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, have come under increased scrutiny.
Source: 9News
The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt on the former president, prompting Congress to establish a committee to investigate the incident.
Bongino Testifies on Security Denial
On Monday, a separate group of Trump-aligned conservative lawmakers held a forum on the shooting, featuring testimony from Bongino, now a conservative radio host.
Source: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia
Bongino claimed that a “direct source” informed him of the denial of Trump’s request for enhanced security.
Secret Service Defends Security Measures
A Secret Service spokesperson responded to Newsweek on Tuesday, stating, “Over the years, the U.S. Secret Service has continuously invested in security enhancements at former President Donald Trump’s residences, including those in Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, and Bedminster, New Jersey.”
Source: Emil Engler/Wikimedia
The spokesperson added that acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. testified before the Senate that the Secret Service has spent $4 million protecting Trump at his properties.
Bongino's Claims Unverified
Newsweek was unable to verify Bongino’s claims, and it remains unclear who his “direct source” is.
Source: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia
The Secret Service has not confirmed the allegation, and the agency has continued to provide protection for Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
"We Don't Secure Nightclubs"
Bongino, during his testimony, stated, “I was told by a direct source, a direct source, this is the quote, that ‘At Mar-a-Lago, they were begging…for enhanced security.”
Source: Wikimedia
“We can’t secure the place like this.’ And one of the quotes was…’We don’t secure nightclubs.’ Really? What if a nightclub owner runs for president? You secure whatever the hell they tell you to secure.”
Bongino Lacks Details on Denied Protection
Bongino did not specify the nature of the “enhanced” protection that was allegedly denied or when the request was made.
Source: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia
It’s important to note that the Secret Service has indeed provided protection for Trump at various properties.
Secret Service Enhances Mar-a-Lago Security Post-Attempt
In response to the assassination attempt, the Secret Service has increased security measures at Mar-a-Lago.
Source: Cyberscoop
These measures include new road closures that are expected to remain in place through the upcoming November election.
High Costs for Secret Service Protection at Trump Properties
In October 2022, a House committee revealed that Trump’s company was charging Secret Service agents more than $800 per night to stay at his properties, including Mar-a-Lago, to provide protection.
Source: upklyak/Freepik
Former Representative Carolyn Maloney, who chaired the House Oversight Committee, described these rates as “exorbitant,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Nearly $2 Million Spent on Trump
In May 2022, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington reported that the Secret Service had spent nearly $2 million on protecting Trump.
Source: Jcomp/Freepik
This amount covered security at his various properties.
Secret Service Took Responsibility for Shooting Failings
Rowe, addressing the law enforcement failings on the day of the shooting, stated that the agency took “full responsibility” for the incident.
Source: @stillgray/X
Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned weeks after the assassination attempt, following accusations of refusing to answer key questions about the agency during a congressional hearing on the shooting.