Former President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will persist with holding outdoor rallies, defying the U.S. Secret Service’s recent advisement against such events.
Following the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump in Butker, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service recommended that the former president avoid outdoor campaign rallies altogether.
Despite this advice, Trump took to Truth Social to assert his commitment to outdoor rallies, stating that the Secret Service would enhance its security measures.
Read: Trump Announces Return To Butler, Pennsylvania For Rally Honoring Victims Of July 13 Attack
“I WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUTDOOR RALLIES, AND SECRET SERVICE HAS AGREED TO SUBSTANTIALLY STEP UP THEIR OPERATION,” Trump declared in his post. “THEY ARE VERY CAPABLE OF DOING SO. NO ONE CAN EVER BE ALLOWED TO STOP OR IMPEDE FREE SPEECH OR GATHERING!!!”
During the assassination attempt, the gunman, positioned on a rooftop just 130 yards from the stage, was reportedly spotted by witnesses and flagged by the Secret Service nearly an hour before the rally commenced.
The attack resulted in the injury of Trump and the deaths of attendee Corey Comperatore, as well as the wounding of Copenhaver and David Dutch, who are both now in stable condition.
Read: FBI Clarifies That Bullet Struck Trump During Assassination Attempt At Rally
In the aftermath of the attempt, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and the agency faced significant criticism for the security lapses at the rally.
After providing evasive testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the events of July 13, Cheatle resigned from her position the following day.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.