Austin approves DHS request for Pentagon to aid Secret Service presidential campaign security

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday for the Pentagon to provide the Secret Service with additional resources for the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

The Secret Service and the safety of the candidates have become a significant concern following last month's assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump , as well as a plot by the Iranians to kill him and anyone else from his first administration who was involved in the January 2020 assassination of Iranian military Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

"The Department of Defense recently received a request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security for additional military support capabilities to be afforded to major presidential and vice presidential candidates," deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said. "The secretary of defense approved the request and directed the commander of U.S. Northern Command to plan, provide, and execute increased support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the United States during the 2024 election campaigns."

Singh announced both the DHS's request and Austin's approval Thursday but did not provide details for what resources would be provided. It's also unclear which personnel would be involved.

Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service chief of communications, explained the DOD's assistance will include "logistics, transportation, and communications."

“The Department of Defense has supported Secret Service protective activities for the sitting president and vice president since Congress passed the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976," Guglielmi told the Washington Examiner. "As has been the case for many years, the U.S. Secret Service relies on federal, state, and local partners to assist with protective operations. Following the events of July 13, the U.S. Secret Service has bolstered our protective operations in order to ensure the highest levels of safety and security."

"The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the invaluable commitment of our military partners and their continued support as we work together to ensure the highest level of safety for the presidential and vice presidential candidates and their families,” he added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The DOD will provide protective support that will continue through Election Day, as well as through the inauguration for the president-elect and vice president-elect.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania native, scaled a building less than 200 yards from where Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania, and fired multiple shots at him. Crooks grazed the president's ear, killed a spectator, and injured two others. Law enforcement officers shot and killed Crooks immediately after he fired at the former president.