Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has formally requested that the U.S. Secret Service provide former President Trump with protection equivalent to that afforded to a sitting president, following two assassination attempts within a span of two months.

In her letter addressed to U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe, Blackburn expressed her concerns over the incidents and emphasized the need for heightened security measures. "While we are still awaiting more details about this horrific event, I am thankful that the perpetrator was unsuccessful and the Secret Service agent acted swiftly to ensure that the former president is safe," Blackburn wrote. "But one thing is abundantly clear: within the span of a mere two months, there have been two assassination attempts against a major presidential candidate and former president in the United States of America. It is unfathomable and unacceptable that this incident occurred."

Blackburn urged immediate action to enhance Trump's security detail: "I urge you to immediately elevate President Trump’s security detail to the same level of protection that the Secret Service provides to a sitting President of the United States." She noted that while incumbent presidents receive top-level protection, former presidents and presidential candidates are subject to varying levels of security based on assessed threats.

The first assassination attempt took place on July 13, after which Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas confirmed an enhancement in Trump's security measures by the Secret Service. However, Blackburn pointed out that these measures were insufficient given a second attempt had occurred.

"In your testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in July, you promised to ‘implement meaningful change’ following the Butler assassination attempt," Blackburn continued. "That meaningful change is long overdue… The American people deserve answers about what actions the Secret Service will be taking to right this wrong, and I hope and expect that you will provide public congressional testimony on this tragic event."

Senator Blackburn has also called for Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Durbin to summon testimonies from key officials including Acting Director Rowe, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, and FBI Director Wray regarding these events.

The full text of Senator Blackburn's letter can be accessed through her official communication channels.