By Steve Neavling
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized additional military support for the Secret Service to enhance security for presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the upcoming election, according to separate statements from the Pentagon and the Secret Service on Thursday.
While Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh did not specify the nature of the support, she confirmed that Austin has instructed U.S. Northern Command to coordinate with the Secret Service to provide assistance at various election-related events, Reuters reports.
A Secret Service spokesperson later noted that the agency has bolstered its protective measures following the July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, where Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt.
“As part of this effort, the Department of Defense is providing the U.S. Secret Service with additional assistance including logistics, transportation, and communications, through the 2024 campaign season,” the Secret Service spokesperson said.
Security measures at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, have been heavily criticized after concerns were raised about how the suspect managed to gain access to a rooftop overlooking the stage where Trump was speaking.
The Secret Service expressed deep regret over the security breach, leading to the resignation of its chief. The incident resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to two others. The FBI is still investigating the suspect’s motives, which remain unclear.
