Secret Service probing Musk's post about Biden, Harris assassination attempts

• "The Secret Service is aware of the social media post made by Elon Musk and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence," Secret Service spokesperson Melissa McKenzie said in a statement to Axios.

Catch up quick: Musk deleted a post shared Sunday questioning why former President Trump faced two recent apparent assassination attempts while Biden and Democratic presidential nominee Harris have not.

• Musk initially resisted calls to delete or reword the post, before ultimately taking it down on Monday. He later said the post was a joke.
• The White House criticized Musk's post, calling it irresponsible rhetoric.

State of play: The investigation doesn't mean that Musk will be disciplined, but he'll likely have to prove that he does not pose a threat to the president or presidential candidate.

• "The Secret Service investigates all threats related to our protectees," McKenzie said, though the agency did not confirm an investigation into Musk to Axios.

• Threatening the president or vice president is a felony that could result in up to five years in prison.
• Axios has reached out to Musk's press contacts for comment.

Zoom out: In recent years, Musk has turned toward the political right and seen his influence grow in conservative circles.

• Musk endorsed Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, minutes after the July shooting in which a bullet grazed his ear.
• Trump said he'd consider appointing Musk to a cabinet or advisory role.

Go deeper: "Irresponsible": White House slams Musk's comment on Trump assassination attempt