A high-tech robotic dog, marked with USSS insignia, has been deployed at President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, according to reporting by Newsweek, marking an unprecedented security measure following multiple assassination attempts during this year's election cycle.
The remote-controlled security asset was spotted patrolling the grounds on Friday, with the Secret Service confirming to Newsweek on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. that the robotic dogs are part of their protective detail.
"Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority," Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the US Secret Service, told Newsweek. "While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations."
Real Security for President Trump
A robotic dog from 'Boston Dynamics' patrols Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence amid a heightened security presence at his home following his election victory. @Reuters pic.twitter.com/cqZCSvddgt
— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) November 7, 2024
The enhanced security measures follow Trump's victory over Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday's presidential election, coming after a campaign season marked by serious security incidents.
On July 13, Trump survived a shooting at an outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired from a rooftop, striking Trump's right ear. Secret Service counter-snipers fatally neutralized the shooter.
A second attempt occurred on Sept. 15, when Ryan Routh was arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. While Routh never discharged his weapon, Secret Service agents engaged him as he aimed his rifle toward the golf course. He faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence.
Adding to these concerns, the US Department of Justice announced on Friday criminal charges against Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Tehran, Iran. According to DOJ officials speaking to Newsweek, Shakeri disclosed to law enforcement that the IRGC tasked him on October 7 with "providing a plan to kill" Trump.
The DOJ release noted that "Shakeri claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC." The charges against Shakeri include murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, among others.
Trump's Communications Director, Steven Cheung, addressed the Iranian plot in an email to Newsweek on Friday, stating, "President-elect Trump is aware of the attempted assassination plot by the Iranian terrorist regime. Nothing will deter President Trump from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world."
Responding to earlier reports of Iran-linked assassination plots against Trump reported in July, the Iranian Mission told Newsweek, "these accusations are unsubstantiated and malicious," adding, "From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump is a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law for ordering the assassination of General Soleimani. Iran has chosen the legal path to bring him to justice."
