Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP / Getty Images
Several weeks before a lone gunman tried to assassinate Donald Trump, the Secret Service received intelligence that the Iranian government was plotting to kill the former president.
According to CNN, a human source warned the agency about the plot, prompting officials to increase security around Trump as he campaigned across the country.
"Secret Service learned of the increased threat from this threat stream," an official told CNN. "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."
Due to the threats, the Secret Service has been increasingly concerned about the Trump campaign's decision to hold outdoor events, which are more challenging to secure than indoor rallies.
There is no known connection between Saturday's shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and the Iranian plot. Investigators continue to probe into the life of the gunman as they work to determine a motive for the assassination attempt.