Three former Trump administration officials have reached out to the Justice Department for assistance in protecting themselves due to escalating threats from Iran. The individuals, identified as former advisers Matthew Pottinger, Victoria Coates, and Robert Greenway, penned a letter to the Justice Department in January 2023 expressing concerns about specific and credible threats against them and their families.
The letter highlighted the urgent need for enhanced physical and cyber security measures to safeguard their well-being. Despite their initial outreach, it was revealed that the Justice Department did not receive the letter directly. Subsequently, members of Congress intervened on behalf of the officials, prompting the Justice Department to refer the matter to the US Secret Service.
In response to the situation, the Justice Department acknowledged the gravity of the threats in a letter addressed to Republican Senator Marco Rubio. The letter underscored the concerns raised by the former officials and the necessity for federal protective services to address the imminent risks.
The concerns stem from potential retaliation by Iran following the 2020 drone strike that resulted in the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a prominent figure in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The former advisers referenced a video from the IRGC that explicitly threatened them with various forms of harm, including assassination.
Furthermore, the officials pointed to social media posts portraying them as 'most wanted fugitives' and indicating plans for revenge. The group had been in contact with the FBI regarding these threats, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Notably, the revelation coincides with recent intelligence reports suggesting a plot by Iran to assassinate former President Donald Trump. This development prompted heightened security measures by the Secret Service to protect the ex-president.
While the former officials await a response from the Secret Service regarding their protection requests, concerns persist over the safety of individuals targeted by Iranian threats. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift and comprehensive security measures to mitigate the risks posed by external threats.
Source has reached out to Pottinger and Greenway for their comments on the matter, with a source close to Pottinger confirming his involvement in the protection request.
