Former President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NewsNation on Thursday, telling the reporter that his security didn't want him standing in that location because it was a safety risk. The July 13 assassination attempt on Trump is still being scrutinized as a security failure and on Wednesday authorities announced a manhunt in Arizona for a man who allegedly threatened the former president's life. Trump was in Arizona on Thursday to speak about immigration at the southern border.
While speaking to Ali Bradley, a NewsNation reporter, Trump suddenly stopped and told her, "we're in danger standing here talking."
"[Security] doesn't want me standing here. They don't want you standing here either," Trump said.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign via email for comment.
Ahead of Trump's speech in Arizona, authorities announced that they apprehended 66-year-old Ronald Lee Syvrud. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office told Fox News that Syvrud is accused of making threatening posts on social media targeting Trump. He was arrested without incident, according to Fox News, and had outstanding warrants in Wisconsin regarding a DUI and from Graham County, Arizona, involving hit-and-run and felony failure to register as a sex offender.
Trump was visiting the southern border in Cochise County, Arizona, Thursday while continuing to campaign for the November election. He's been spending the week campaigning across battleground states.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Trump appeared unaware of the manhunt when asked for comment. The former president said he was aware it might be “dangerous” for him to be there, but “I have a job to do.”
“I haven't heard about that. They probably want to keep it from me,” Trump said, when asked to respond to the manhunt. “Thank you for telling me. Let's get out of here, right now,” Trump joked. He again thanked the reporter for telling him.
Trump then pivoted to remarks on the assassination attempt in Butler, saying he has “great respect for the Secret Service” who jumped “on top of me with bullets flying.”
“I have great respect. But, no, I haven't heard that,” Trump said, referring back to the manhunt. “But I'm not that surprised. And the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.
Immigration was a staple of Trump's 2016 campaign and has remained a key campaign issue for him. He has hit Harris and President Joe Biden for the rise in migrants crossing the border and, on Thursday, brought families to the border to talk about how their loved ones were killed by migrants.
“The U.S. Secret Service investigates all threats against our protectees. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time,” the Secret Service told Fox News Digital in a statement.
The majority of Bradley’s interview concerned Trump’s relationship with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who will reportedly drop out of the race and endorse the former president. Kennedy also seems to be seeking the promise of a Cabinet position if Trump were to be elected.
In the brief interview, Trump claimed he and Kennedy “haven’t talked about that yet,” but didn’t rule it out.
“We’ll see. I have a lot of respect for him, and I think he’s a lot of respect for me. I just heard this as news flashes, and you know, we’ve had a good relationship for a long period of time. If he endorses, that would be an honor for me,” Trump said.
“I have good respect for him. Smart guy. A little different, but very smart. And we will take his endorsement.”
Trump’s abrupt departure from the interview, citing security concerns, highlights the current political climate and the level of security required for high-profile figures. With the 2024 election nearing, security measures are likely to remain a top priority for candidates and authorities alike.
While the manhunt for the suspect who allegedly threatened Trump continues, the incident underscores the seriousness of threats against public figures and the importance of addressing such threats with swift action and vigilance.
