Rep. Matt Gaetz Claims There Are 5 Known Assassination Teams in U.S.

In an appearance on Breitbart News Daily, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) expressed serious concerns about the security measures surrounding former President Donald Trump, claiming that there are currently five assassination teams operating in the U.S. targeting the former president.

Gaetz stated that a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official had informed him that at least three of these teams are foreign-based, and two are domestic.

Gaetz criticized the level of protection around Trump, arguing that the Secret Service and other agencies responsible for the former president’s security have not taken adequate steps to address the threat.

He emphasized that the current security protocols may be insufficient, particularly given the nature of Trump’s frequent public appearances and campaign activities.

Gaetz highlighted the recent case of Ryan Wesley Routh, a suspect involved in what was reportedly the second assassination attempt against Trump.

Routh, who had recently returned to the U.S. from Ukraine, raised concerns at the border when he claimed he was recruiting fighters to support the war in Ukraine, and that his wife was financing his activities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers found his story suspicious and referred him to the DHS investigations unit.

However, Gaetz expressed frustration that DHS declined to investigate Routh further, allowing him back into the country without any action.

This incident, according to Gaetz, raises significant concerns about how potential threats to Trump are being handled and whether security measures are being compromised.

When pressed by host Mike Slater about the nature of these assassination teams, Gaetz reaffirmed the existence of five known teams, emphasizing that three are foreign-based — from Iran, Ukraine, and Pakistan.

He argued that the threat requires a more robust and coordinated protective effort, which he believes is lacking.

Gaetz also raised concerns about the reallocation of resources, stating that some personnel who should be protecting Trump have been diverted to other high-profile individuals, such as First Lady Jill Biden or former National Security Advisor John Bolton.

Gaetz questioned whether this redistribution of resources was appropriate, given the seriousness of the threats against Trump.

Gaetz called for an investigation into whether the appropriate tactical and sniper teams are in place to protect Trump and whether adjustments need to be made in light of the heightened risk.

He suggested that the security gaps are symptomatic of a broader issue in how federal agencies are handling the former president’s security and that more scrutiny and resources are needed to mitigate the threat.

The congressman’s remarks underscore the gravity of the security challenges facing Trump, particularly as he remains a central figure in U.S. politics and continues to campaign actively.

Gaetz’s concerns reflect a broader unease about the adequacy of current protective measures and the potential consequences of failing to address the threats facing the former president.