In a startling revelation, a newly released report has pinned the blame on the US Secret Service for significant security failures during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, resulted in one death and multiple injuries.
The internal agency review, unveiled on Friday, disclosed that Secret Service agents did not employ available technology that could have detected the attacker. The suspect had flown a drone over the rally site hours before the attempt, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Coordination breakdown
The report further criticized the Secret Service’s advance team for inadequate coordination with state and local law enforcement. A critical oversight involved the failure to instruct local police snipers to secure a nearby rooftop, a lapse that has drawn considerable attention.
Leadership accountability
Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned amidst widespread criticism, faced intense questioning from lawmakers. During a Congressional hearing, she was pressed to explain the agency’s failure to secure the rally area adequately.
At a recent news briefing, Acting Director Ronald Rowe pointed out a “lack of clarity” in the Secret Service’s security planning for the event. He emphasized the need for accountability and learning from the incident to prevent future failures.
The report highlighted that during the rally, the suspect was spotted climbing a roof, causing concern among attendees. However, Trump’s protective detail was unaware due to communication issues. Secret Service agents and local law enforcement were using different radio frequencies and were not in sync, hindering their response.
Following the assassination attempt, the Secret Service has allocated additional resources to Trump’s security, beyond typical measures for someone in his position.
A Second threat
On Sunday, a man was arrested at the Trump International Golf Club in South Florida after a Secret Service agent identified a rifle barrel protruding from a fence. This incident marked the second assassination attempt in just two months.
Legislative response
In response to these events, the US House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Friday aimed at bolstering Secret Service protection for presidential nominees and their vice-presidential counterparts. The legislation mandates equal standards for determining the number of agents required for their protection.
The revelations and subsequent actions underscore the critical need for rigorous security protocols to safeguard prominent political figures.