Secret Service increased Trump's security weeks ago after learning of assassination threat from Iran

The United States Secret Service increased its security around former President Donald Trump several weeks ago, after U.S. officials learned of an Iranian plot to assassinate him, CNN reported Tuesday.

Authorities said they do not believe the Iranian plot is connected to Saturday's assassination attempt, where Trump was shot in the ear by what is suspected to be a lone gunman, according to CNN sources.

A national security official said Trump's campaign and the Secret Service were made aware of the foreign threat before Saturday's shooting. 

“Secret Service learned of the increased threat from this threat stream,” the official said. “NSC directly contacted USSS at a senior level to be absolutely sure they continued to track the latest reporting. USSS shared this information with the detail lead, and the Trump campaign was made aware of an evolving threat.

"In response to the increased threat, Secret Service surged resources and assets for the protection of former President Trump. All of this was in advance of Saturday," the official added.

The Secret Service have previously advised Trump and his campaign not to hold outdoor events, because they pose greater security risks. But the campaign has only stopped holding unexpected events, where there is limited security and guests are not screened by Secret Service ahead of time.

The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations denied reports of an Iranian plot, claiming that Trump should be tried in court for ordering the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2020, but not assassinated.

Former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton, Trump's other former national security adviser Robert O'Brien, and former Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are other possible targets of Iran in retaliation of Soleimani's death, and threats have previously been levied against them.

All three were given Secret Service details after leaving office. Bolton still has Secret Service protection, but O'Brien currently pays for his own private security due to ongoing threats.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.