Former U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended a media interview on Thursday, August 22nd, after being warned by security personnel that continuing the interview could pose a danger to him. This incident underscores the ongoing security threats against Trump.
In July of this year, Trump narrowly escaped a shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed past his right ear, resulting in minor injuries. This incident immediately brought global attention to the personal safety of presidential candidates in the United States.
During his visit to the border area of Arizona on Thursday, Trump granted an exclusive interview to NewsNation. Halfway through the interview, Trump suddenly told reporter Ali Bradley, “Can I tell you something? It’s dangerous for us to stand here and talk.”
“So, we won’t continue,” Trump said. “The security doesn’t want me to stand here. They don’t want you here either.”
The day before this incident, law enforcement authorities in Arizona announced that they were apprehending a man from Arizona who had threatened to kill Trump on social media.
Officials later announced that the suspect had been detained a few hours after Trump’s interview. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Ronald Lee Syvrud, 66 years old, with multiple outstanding arrest warrants in Wisconsin.
When asked about the man’s threats against him, Trump said, “No, I haven’t heard of it, but I’m not surprised because I want to do things that are very bad for bad people.”
According to reports from NewsNation, before the interview was interrupted, Trump expressed his gratitude for the support of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but had not yet discussed with him what cabinet position he would offer if he wins the U.S. election in November.
A few days ago, Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, indicated that he was considering ending his White House campaign and potentially joining forces with Trump.
Kennedy stated that he would deliver a national speech on his political future in Arizona on Friday.
“I have great respect for him, and I believe he respects me as well,” Trump told NewsNation. “We’ve had a good relationship for a long time. It would be an honor to have his support.”
Describing Kennedy as a “smart guy” who is “a bit different but very intelligent,” Trump did not disclose whether Kennedy would accompany him to the campaign event in Arizona on Friday.
Trump simply stated, “We will welcome his support.”
(This article references reports from NewsNation and Reuters)