In a surprising revelation, the Secret Service has denied requests for additional security measures for former President Donald Trump over the past two years. This information has come to light following an investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania last week.

According to The Washington Post, agents overseeing Trump's security had previously requested magnetometers and more agents to screen attendees at public gatherings, including sporting events. They had also asked for additional snipers and specialty teams to enhance security at outdoor events. However, these requests were allegedly denied due to resource constraints and staffing shortages within the agency.

The Secret Service, in response to the recent scrutiny, stated that while they had not provided additional resources, they had made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee. This statement contradicts their previous claims made immediately after the assassination attempt, where they asserted that no additional security resources were denied.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has criticized the Secret Service's response to the incident, labeling it "unconscionable" and calling into question the leadership abilities of Director Kimberly Cheatle. Cheatle is set to face a House hearing on the shooting on Monday. Furthermore, Pennsylvania congressman Brendan Boyle has become the first Democratic lawmaker to publicly call for Cheatle's resignation, citing "unacceptable operational failures."

Trump himself revealed that he was not warned of any threats prior to the rally, expressing concern over how the gunman managed to access the rooftop without detection. The Secret Service stated that the person of interest, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was suspiciously found outside the rally site with a rangefinder and a backpack. Snipers only spotted him moments before the shooting began.

The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, acknowledged that additional resources were denied but reassured that security was supplemented by state and local law enforcement. Guglielmi affirmed that the agency consistently operates in a dynamic threat environment, balancing personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs.

In a separate development, it has been reported that Crooks flew a drone over the rally site hours before the shooting took place, capturing aerial footage of the fairgrounds. The FBI recovered the drone as part of their ongoing investigation, suggesting that Crooks carefully planned the attack.

Meanwhile, in Florida, there are calls for changes to the security plan surrounding Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club. The Secret Service-initiated indefinite road closure has faced criticism from Palm Beach officials who plan to pursue legal options to keep the road open.

As the investigation into the failed assassination attempt continues, questions about the Secret Service's handling of security measures and communication surrounding potential threats remain unanswered. The House hearing on Monday is expected to shed further light on these issues, putting the agency under even greater scrutiny.