Former President Trump, in a Truth Social post on Saturday, said he will continue holding outdoor rallies following an assassination attempt on him earlier this month, adding that the Secret Service will increase protection at these rallies.
“I will continue to hold outdoor rallies, and the Secret Service has agreed to substantially intensify its operation,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “THEY ARE VERY CAPABLE OF DOING THIS. NO ONE CAN EVER STOP OR IMPIRE FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR ASSEMBLY!!!”
Trump did not provide any details about what additional steps the Secret Service could take to ensure security at outdoor rallies. The Secret Service came under sharp bipartisan criticism for its handling of the rally, where a sniper fired at Trump, killing one rally attendee and wounding two others. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed after shooting at the president.
The former president’s comments follow him saying Friday that he will return to Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred, for another campaign rally.
“I will be returning to Butler, Pennsylvania, for a big, beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighter hero, Corey, and those brave patriots injured two weeks ago. What a day it will be – fight, fight, fight! Pay attention to the details,” Trump wrote.
Corey Compatore, a firefighter, was killed at the rally.
The Secret Service pressed the former president and his team to stop holding large outdoor rallies after the shooting, sources close to the situation said. according to a Tuesday report from The Washington Post.
After the shooting, Trump could be seen with a bandage on one of his ears. However, at an event organized by the conservative Christian organization Turning Point Action Friday, Trump said he removed “the last bandage from my ear.”
“As I think you can see, I recovered well and, in fact, I just took the last bandage off my ear,” said the former president.
The Hill contacted the Secret Service.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
