Amid concerns about security and transparency, President Donald Trump has instructed the Secret Service to fully disclose details about two recent attempts on his life.
Fox News reported that Trump has officially requested comprehensive information from the Secret Service regarding two assassination attempts against him during his campaign.
The first incident occurred on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old, made a violent attempt on Trump's life, which led to him being fatally shot by the Secret Service.
This attack not only targeted Trump, who sustained a minor injury but also tragically resulted in the death of a rally attendee and injuries to two others.
Details about Crooks reveal troubling indications of a planned act. Investigations uncovered that Crooks used encrypted messaging services from various international platforms based in countries such as Belgium, New Zealand, and Germany, raising questions about the origins and depth of his motives.
The second attempt on Trump's life took place on September 15, near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The would-be assailant, Ryan Routh, aged 59, was equipped with a rifle and concealed near the venue but was apprehended before he could fire a shot. The Secret Service's quick response prevented what could have been a devastating event.
Upon Routh's arrest, the authorities found six cell phones in his car. His preparation raised significant security concerns and questions about the necessity and intended use of such equipment.
Facing several charges, including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, Routh pleaded not guilty and awaits trial in federal custody, scheduled for September 8, 2025.
Expressing his concerns, President Trump discussed these events in an interview with the New York Post. He highlighted his frustration with the obscurity surrounding the details of his assailants. "I want to find out about the two assassins," Trump stated, reflecting his concern over the incomplete information provided to him thus far.
Trump was particularly perplexed by the items found with the assailants. "Why did the one guy have six cellphones, and why did the other guy have [foreign] apps?" he questioned during the interview.
His queries point to broader issues of national security and the efficiency of protective agencies in addressing and informing about such critical threats.
"Iām entitled to know. And they held it back long enough," Trump added, implying a dissatisfaction with how information has been handled or disclosed by his protective detail. He ended his remarks with a firm "No more excuses," signaling his expectation for a more transparent flow of information moving forward.
While the president's requests have ignited discussions about transparency and security protocols, the White House has yet to officially respond to these concerns.
Fox News Digital's attempts to seek comment were not immediately answered, leaving public speculation to grow concerning the efficiency and transparency of the information-sharing processes within federal security services.