Leon Panetta, the former CIA director, expressed grave concerns about the security lapses during the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Reports of Iranian threats against the ex-president added to the urgency of the situation.
During a discussion on the One Decision podcast, Panetta, along with Sir Richard Dearlove, highlighted the intelligence community’s warning to the Secret Service regarding potential assassination plots originating from Iran. Despite this information, security measures were not adequate.
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News of the Iranian threat quickly spread, raising alarms.
The failure to establish a proper security perimeter despite known threats has raised serious questions about the Secret Service’s preparedness and response.
Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle faces mounting pressure to address how the gunman managed to access the rooftop and carry out the attack, despite being observed by witnesses and security personnel.
In a statement to ABC, Cheatle explained the security protocols in place but faced skepticism from local authorities regarding the adequacy of resources.
Panetta’s extensive background in government and security matters lends weight to the concerns raised about the incident.
The attack left Trump injured, a rally attendee dead, and two others critically wounded. The assailant was neutralized, and explosives were discovered in his possession.
1:58Trump rushed off stage bloodied after multiple gunshots heard at Pennsylvania rally – video
Reflecting on his own experience, Panetta emphasized the importance of securing all possible points of attack when protecting the president. Comprehensive security measures, including sniper positions, are crucial to prevent such incidents.
2024-07-17 23:00:25
Post from www.theguardian.com