In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, bipartisan lawmakers are pushing for a new bill to strengthen Secret Service protection for all major presidential candidates. Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) are spearheading the legislation, which aims to provide enhanced security measures for President Joe Biden, Trump, and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The proposed bill comes after a harrowing incident at a Pennsylvania rally where Trump was shot in the ear by a gunman from a nearby rooftop. The attack, which killed Corey Comperatore and injured two others, has prompted urgent calls for improved security protocols for presidential candidates.
“Last night’s attempted assassination of former President Trump was a dark moment in our nation’s history,” Torres and Lawler said in their joint statement. “As reports continue to emerge, it’s clear that more protection is needed for all major candidates for president. That’s why we’re planning on introducing bipartisan legislation providing President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. with enhanced Secret Service protection. Anything less would be a disservice to our democracy.”
The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny over how the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to position himself on a rooftop and fire at Trump from approximately 150 yards away. Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) has demanded answers from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, citing reports that the DHS had previously denied requests for increased protection for Trump.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi addressed these concerns, stating on X that claims of denied requests for additional security were “absolutely false.” He emphasized that the agency had indeed increased protective measures and resources in response to the campaign’s heightened travel.
The proposed legislation also seeks to address the security needs of RFK Jr., who has repeatedly requested Secret Service protection but has been denied. Given his family’s tragic history with political assassinations, his requests have highlighted significant security concerns.
As the nation reacts to the attempt on Trump’s life, the proposed bill underscores the necessity of robust protection for all presidential candidates. Ensuring their safety is vital to maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and protecting those who step forward to lead the nation.