Secret Service takes new steps to boost protection around Trump

The Secret Service is heightening security around former President Donald Trump, an agency official said Monday, following the apparent attempt on his life just two months after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.

“Given recent events, the Secret Service is taking a heightened posture in its protection of the former president,” the official said.

The new measures appeared to be visible Monday when Trump got off his plane in Pennsylvania and a Secret Service agent followed closely behind.

Security is being increased after an incident at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Federal prosecutors recently charged Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on Trump on Sept. 15.

Routh was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He appeared in a court in Florida on Monday and was ordered held pending trial.

A court filing Monday said Routh, who was arrested Sept. 15, dropped a letter off this month addressed to “The World” and declared, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.”

A civilian contacted law enforcement Wednesday, saying Routh had dropped off a box at his residence containing the letter, four phones, ammunition and other notes, according to the filing.

Routh was charged a little more than two months after a gunman in Butler, Pennsylvania, shot Trump in the ear during a campaign rally.

Trump now plans to return to Butler on Oct. 5 — one month before Election Day — according to three sources familiar with the campaign’s schedule.

The House also unanimously voted to boost protection for all presidential candidates. The bill would give candidates the same level of protection as presidents.