US intelligence agencies uncovered an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump weeks before the July 13 attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to multiple sources. In response, the Secret Service increased security measures for Trump, including additional ‘counter-attack agents’, sharpshooters, and drones. However, officials emphasize that there is no apparent connection between this Iranian plan and the actual attack carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.Iran has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani rejected the claims as ‘politically motivated’ and ‘unfounded’, condemning the recent armed attack on Trump. However, Iranian officials maintain that Trump must face consequences for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Secret Service protection, particularly regarding outdoor rallies which are considered high-risk areas. Critics are demanding to know how Crooks was able to access a rooftop approximately 130 meters from Trump’s position and open fire, despite the heightened security measures.President Joe Biden has ordered an independent investigation into the incident and the Secret Service’s response. The FBI is investigating Crooks’ past and phone, with no evidence of political militancy found so far. The attack has led to increased security measures and discussions about potential weaknesses in the protection of high-profile political figures.The alleged Iranian plot is part of a broader pattern of revenge attempts against former Trump administration officials, stemming from the 2020 US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated, ‘We have been tracking Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials for years’.
Key points
- US intelligence uncovered an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump weeks before the July 13 attack.
- Iran has officially denied involvement in the assassination plot, calling the accusations ‘unfounded and malicious’.
- The incident has raised questions about Secret Service effectiveness and led to calls for an independent investigation.
- The alleged plot is part of a broader pattern of Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials.
Contradictions👾While US intelligence claims to have uncovered an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, Iran vehemently denies any involvement and condemns the attack.
