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By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
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Donald Trump named limited manpower as a potential weakness in his security detail, after surviving two assassination attempts in nine weeks.
In a Fox News phone interview on Tuesday evening, Trump praised Secret Service agents who thwarted the latest attempt on Sunday. Pushed by host Sean Hannity about his concerns, the Republican presidential nominee said: "We have long requested more people—more men and women—but more people.
Highlighting the size of his campaign rally crowds, he said: "There's never been anything like it, and we have long requested more people. That's true. That's the weakness. If there's a weakness, I really think that's the weakness."
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Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign via email for comment.
The comments come after members of Trump's Secret Service detail spotted a gunman by a bush-lined fence at Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested and charged with gun offenses.
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On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was shot and killed while attempting to assassinate Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump told Hannity: "I will say in Butler, we wanted more people. I heard them say it, 'We need more people here,' for security, and we never seem to get that. But I think we are getting it now, somebody told me."
On Monday, President Joe Biden echoed Trump's sentiment, telling reporters outside the White House that Congress should increase Secret Service resources. "Thank God the President [former President Trump] is OK," he said. "One thing I want to make clear, the Secret Service needs more help. I think Congress should respond to their needs."
However, speaking at a press conference on Monday, U.S. Secret Service acting director Ronald Rowe Jr. said resources for the security detail had increased after the Butler assassination attempt.
"Immediately following the assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump on July 13, the Secret Service moved to increase assets to an already enhanced security posture for the former president," Rowe said. In the days that followed, President Biden said he wanted the highest levels of protection for former President Trump and Vice President Harris.
"The increased assets directed by President Biden were in place yesterday, these included the counter sniper team elements, counter surveilence agents on the exterior, counter assault teams partnered with local tactical assets from the Palm Beach County Sherriff's office, and counter unmanned aeriel system elements. All of these entities were present yesterday."
Rowe has taken on the role of acting-Secret Service director after his predecessor Kimberly Cheatle resigned 10 days after the Butler shooting following a brutal congressional hearing into the assassination attempt.
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