Secret Service Confirms Awareness of Iranian Threat Against Barron Trump

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed Tuesday that it is aware of an Iranian video threatening Barron Trump, as former CIA Director Leon Panetta warned that the United States must treat the chilling message “very seriously.”

Barron Trump, the 20-year-old youngest son of President Donald Trump, was reportedly threatened in a video that showed locations where he might be found and appeared to allude to a $10 million reward.

Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring told ABC News that the agency was aware of the video and investigates potential threats made against those under its protection.

“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,” Herring said.

The spokesperson declined to offer details about the agency’s response or any investigation connected to the threat.

“Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence,” Herring added.

Panetta addressed the disturbing video Tuesday during an appearance on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with anchor Wolf Blitzer, warning that any attempt to carry out such a threat could trigger a devastating response.

“I think you have to take these kinds of threats very seriously, especially if they did it over Iranian TV,” Panetta said.

The former CIA director called it “crazy” for Iran to attempt an attack of that nature, arguing that such an action would likely lead to “an all-out war.”
Panetta said American officials must take precautions while also making clear to Iran that there would be severe consequences for targeting a member of the president’s family.

“I also think Iran needs to be aware of the consequences of doing anything like that,” Panetta said. “It is definitely not in their interest.”
Blitzer said the Iranian state television video appeared to suggest that an Iran supporter or terrorism supporter inside the United States should attempt to kill Barron Trump in exchange for a $10 million reward.

Asked if he interpreted the video the same way, Panetta pointed to previous intelligence involving threats from Iran.

Panetta said such messages can encourage individuals already in the United States to attempt assassinations targeting the president, members of the First Family or other people.

“The threats we’ve gotten from Iran are very similar,” Panetta said, explaining that the concern involves individuals inside the country potentially carrying out attacks on Iran’s behalf.

The former CIA chief cautioned officials against simply dismissing the video as propaganda. Based on his experience, Panetta said Iran has issued similar threats before and that the United States must be ready to respond.

“You’ve got to be prepared to deal with it because that kind of craziness can be a reality when it comes to what they do,” he said.

The Secret Service did not publicly discuss whether it had implemented additional safeguards around Barron Trump following the video. Its statement was limited to confirming awareness of the threat and reiterating that the agency investigates anything perceived as threatening toward its protectees.