US Intel Reveals Iranian Plot to Kill Donald Trump Weeks Before Assassination Attempt

In a dramatic revelation, national security officials disclosed that the United States had received intelligence about an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump weeks before an actual attempt on his life occurred on Saturday. This alarming intelligence prompted heightened security measures for Trump, illustrating the ongoing threats he faces even after his presidency.

The plot, sourced from a human intelligence asset, led to an immediate response from the US Secret Service and Trump's campaign team, who were both notified of the potential danger. Consequently, Trump's security detail was significantly reinforced. However, officials clarified that there is no known link between this specific Iranian plot and the recent assassination attempt carried out by a 20-year-old individual.

The threats against Trump and his former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, trace back to the 2020 drone strike that killed Qassim Soleimani, the leader of Iran's Quds force, in Iraq. This event has fueled ongoing animosity from Tehran, manifesting in various forms of retaliation threats. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the US Secret Service, emphasized the continuous nature of threat assessments and adjustments, stating, "We cannot comment on any specific threat stream, other than to say that the Secret Service takes threats seriously and responds accordingly."

Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, reiterated that US security officials have been tracking Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials for years. This vigilance underscores the persistent risk posed by hostile foreign actors.

The Iranian mission at the United Nations dismissed the intelligence report as "unsubstantiated and malicious," labeling Trump a "criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law."

In the wake of the assassination attempt, Trump made his first public appearance at the Republican National Convention on Monday. With a white bandage on his right ear, he waved to supporters and received a standing ovation, but refrained from making any remarks. He stood alongside his newly announced running mate, Senator JD Vance, in a show of resilience and defiance.

The assassination attempt occurred during a campaign rally on Saturday, where gunshots suddenly erupted, prompting Secret Service agents to storm the stage. The incident resulted in the tragic death of one rally attendee, while two others were critically injured. Trump later revealed that the bullet had grazed the upper part of his right ear.

The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The investigation into Crooks' motives and connections is ongoing, with authorities seeking to determine whether he had any ties to the Iranian plot or acted independently.

This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by former President Trump and underscores the complex security challenges that accompany his high-profile status. As investigations continue, the interplay between foreign plots and domestic actions remains a critical area of focus for national security agencies.