The head of Donald Trump’s Secret Service detail informed an agitated president on Jan. 6, 2021, that large groups of people had been denied entry to his rally that day because they were carrying prohibited items, the driver of his presidential SUV told congressional investigators, according to a transcript reviewed by POLITICO.
The testimony is further evidence that Trump was aware of potential security risks in the crowd, even before the mob had breached the Capitol.
The driver, who remains unidentified, drove Trump to and from his rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6. After the rally, Trump’s supporters — riled up by his fervid speech — marched down the street, where Congress was attempting to certify the results of the 2020 election.
The driver described Trump’s exchange that day with his lead Secret Service agent, Robert Engel, in testimony he gave in November 2022 to the House Jan. 6 select committee. The transcript of his testimony had remained in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security — under terms the committee agreed to in order to secure the witness’ testimony — after the committee dissolved last year, until this week.