Biden Urges Greater Assistance for Secret Service After Second Trump Assassination Attempt

In the wake of a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden expressed relief that Trump is safe while admitting that the U.S. Secret Service "needs more help." Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Biden addressed the incident and emphasized that Congress should act to bolster the agency’s resources.

“Thank God the president is okay,” Biden said, referring to Trump. He added, “One thing I want to make clear is, the service needs more help. And I think Congress should respond to their need.” When pressed on what exactly the Secret Service needs, Biden hinted that it could mean more personnel, though he left the details open to their discretion.

The latest attempt on Trump’s life occurred at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where authorities apprehended suspect Ryan Routh. Secret Service agents noticed the barrel of a gun protruding from a fence just a few hundred yards from where Trump was golfing. This comes just weeks after Trump was shot at during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The assassination attempts have fueled intense debate. Trump responded to the latest attack, pointing fingers directly at the Biden administration. “The rhetoric of Biden and Harris … is causing me to be shot at,” Trump told Fox News, asserting that his leadership will save the country while accusing the current administration of leading its destruction.

The July 13 shooting during Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania highlighted serious lapses in Secret Service protocol. Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to fire eight shots at Trump from a rooftop just 150 yards away. Trump was struck in the ear, while one rallygoer was killed and others injured. Following that shocking event, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid Congressional grilling over her agency’s failures. The new acting director, Ronald Rowe, admitted the situation was indefensible, stating, “What I saw made me ashamed.”

• July 13 Butler rally shooting: Trump was hit by a bullet, and three others were wounded.

• Latest West Palm Beach incident: Secret Service prevented another assassination attempt by swiftly apprehending the suspect.

• Trump's criticism of Biden-Harris: Trump claims their rhetoric has contributed to the violence he’s faced in recent weeks.

In the aftermath of the latest attempt, Trump praised the Secret Service and local law enforcement, calling their actions “outstanding” and expressing pride in being an American. On Truth Social, Trump shared his gratitude for their bravery, writing, “THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING.”

The situation has intensified calls for stronger protective measures around the former president, particularly as he moves forward as the Republican nominee for 2024. With two attempts on his life in a matter of weeks, the pressure on federal agencies to prevent further incidents is mounting.

As the country gears up for another heated election season, the risks surrounding political leaders—especially Trump—are growing. Biden's acknowledgment of the need for greater support for the Secret Service may be a first step, but many are left wondering if it will be enough to safeguard against future attacks.

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