The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has approved a request from the Department of Homeland Security to provide 'additional military support capabilities' to assist the Secret Service in protecting major presidential and vice presidential candidates. This decision comes in response to a request for increased security measures during the upcoming 2024 election campaigns.
A Defense Department spokesperson confirmed that the Secretary of Defense has directed the commander of US Northern Command to plan, provide, and execute enhanced support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the country.
Pentagon deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, stated that the Defense Department will continue to offer security assistance for the candidates throughout the election period. Additionally, they will extend security support to the future president-elect and vice president-elect during the inauguration.
The Secret Service has been under scrutiny from both political parties following a previous incident where former President Donald Trump was injured and a rally-goer was killed in an assassination attempt at a campaign event in July. The decision to provide additional military support aims to bolster security measures and ensure the safety of candidates and officials during the election process.
Details on the specific roles and responsibilities of Defense Department personnel in supporting the Secret Service have not been disclosed, with Singh deferring to the Secret Service for further information on the matter.
