US President Joe Biden has been urged to "step up security" for Donald Trump following a second assassination attempt on the Republican candidate.
The leadership election hopeful was at his golf course on West Palm Beach in Florida when a gunman opened fire in the area with an AK-47-style weapon.
The suspect, named by US media as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, fled 38 miles away from the scene before being arrested by police.
Speaking to GB News, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK Greg Swenson said that Trump should have "the same level of protection as Joe Biden", given he is the former President of the US.
US President Joe Biden has been urged to step up security for Donald Trump following an apparent assassination attempt
Reuters
Swenson claimed: "Trump needs the same protection level that President Biden has. Even though he's just a candidate, he is the former President.
"Biden is famous for withholding Secret Service protection. He finally broke down with Robert F Kennedy Jr and approved Secret Service protection only after Trump was shot in the ear in July. So I think that the President needs to step up here and and authorise full protection."
Noting the role of the Secret Service in protecting Trump during Sunday's incident, Swenson argued that there was a "complete breakdown" of security and that the golf course "should have been closed" whilst the former President was there.
Swenson told GB News: "It might be a lone wolf, it might be an isolated incident. But I think this whole belief that Trump is a threat to democracy should probably stop, because things are only going to get worse before they get better.
Shots were fired at Donald Trump at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday
Reuters
"People have to be reminded that he was President for four years, and things seemed to work out pretty well."
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Turning the discussion to the upcoming election in November, Swenson was asked by host Isabel Webster if this latest assassination attempt will give Trump a "boost" as his campaign approaches the final stretch.
Swenson responded: "I hope so, because last week was a bad week for Trump. You saw the bump after the first assassination attempt, and there was all this unity at the convention.
"So hopefully this will be the cap on a difficult week. There might be some sympathy - I don't think it's worth five points, but there'll be some sympathy for him."
Following the incident, Trump assured supporters he is "safe and well", thanking the Secret Service and FBI in their handling of the apparent assassination attempt.
Greg Swenson said Donald Trump needs the 'same protection as Biden'
GB News
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said of the incident: "I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes - It was certainly an interesting day!
"Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE.
"THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
