Former Secret Service agent Richard Staropoli has issued a stark warning about potential threats to President-elect Donald Trump, urging the agency to reassess its readiness. Staropoli expressed concern over what he views as a decline in the Secret Service’s effectiveness, particularly in light of the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump.
“I’m not highly confident at all,” Staropoli said, criticizing the current state of the agency. “The Secret Service that you see out there today is not the Secret Service of yesteryear.” He called for a return to fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of human intelligence and boots-on-the-ground security measures.
Staropoli’s warning comes amid growing fears of more sophisticated threats. “I certainly can see something happening between now and inauguration day,” he said, suggesting that any future attempt could be far more complex than the previous incident. “It’s going to be something of a much bigger magnitude, and I don’t think the Secret Service is anywhere equipped to handle that situation.”
These concerns are underscored by the possibility of state-sponsored threats. Staropoli highlighted the dangers posed by groups with significant resources, contrasting them with the lone actors often associated with past assassination attempts. He noted that an attack involving advanced weaponry, such as an RPG, could overwhelm current security measures.
The Secret Service’s challenges are compounded by broader national security issues. With millions of unscreened individuals entering the U.S. through open borders, questions arise about the potential for smuggling weapons or other dangerous materials. Critics argue that these vulnerabilities heighten the risks faced by senior officials.
Staropoli’s remarks reflect a growing call for the agency to adapt to modern threats. As inauguration day approaches, his warning serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and comprehensive security planning.
