U.S. Military Support Boosted for Presidential Campaign Security

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized additional military support for the Secret Service to safeguard presidential and vice presidential candidates for the upcoming election. This move follows an attempted assassination on Republican candidate Donald Trump, leading to strengthened protective measures.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved a request to bolster the Secret Service with additional military support for presidential and vice presidential candidates during the upcoming election, according to separate statements from the Pentagon and the Secret Service on Thursday. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh did not disclose the specifics of the support but confirmed Austin instructed U.S. Northern Command to coordinate assistance at various election-related locations.

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that protective measures have been intensified since the July 13 Pennsylvania rally where Republican candidate Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt. 'As part of this effort, the Department of Defense is providing additional logistics, transportation, and communications support through the 2024 campaign season,' the spokesperson said.

Concerns were raised about security protocols after a suspect managed to access a rooftop with a direct line of sight to Trump at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally. The incident, which resulted in one death and two injuries, led to the resignation of the Secret Service chief. Motivations behind the attack remain unclear as the FBI continues its investigation. Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are in a close race ahead of the Nov. 5 U.S. elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)