Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is set to introduce his Protect Our Presidents Act, a bill granting equivalent United States Secret Service (USSS) protection to presidential and vice presidential nominees that the sitting president receives.
"Over the course of just 65 days, two deranged individuals have tried to kill President Donald Trump, and one was able to shoot him in the head," wrote Sen. Scott. "It is unthinkable that this could happen in America today and demands the immediate action of Congress.”
This move comes just days after former President Donald Trump (R) was nearly shot at once again while playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, but USSS thwarted the attempt as the would-be shooter did not fire off any rounds. The culprit, Ryan Wesley Routh, left an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, a GoPro camera, and two backpacks with ceramic tile at the scene of the crime.
According to CBS News, Routh was arrested 50 miles north of the club on I-95. He appeared in federal court on Monday, where he was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He could face up to 20 years in prison for these offenses.
Furthermore, Scott added that the “vile rhetoric” from the left has made Trump a villain worthy enough to assassinate.
"President Trump has great officers and agents working around the clock to keep him safe, but it’s clear that the vile rhetoric on the left toward President Trump has made him a target and more resources are required to ensure the safety of him and his family,” said Scott. “I urge Senate Democrats to join Republicans to quickly pass this bill that will support the protection of President Trump and all future presidential nominees."
According to Fox News, this bill would also require USSS to report to Congressional leaders in both chambers surrounding “threat levels, security measures, costs, amount of personnel assigned and any needs that are unmet.”
USSS told Fox News that Trump received the same level of security during his golf outing. However, Scott’s bill would codify this measure into law.
The Protect Our Presidents Act is co-sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).
