Secret service admits failures in Trump assassination attempt review

The U.S. Secret Service on Friday acknowledged multiple security failures in its review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in July.

The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from a rooftop during the outdoor event hosted by Trump, who narrowly escaped with a minor injury to his right ear.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr., speaking at a press briefing, detailed significant lapses in security, citing “complacency” among some agents that led to the breach.

“While certain members of the advance team were diligent, others displayed a level of complacency that resulted in a failure to adhere to established security protocols,” Rowe stated.

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The review highlighted several key shortcomings, including poor coordination with local law enforcement, an over-reliance on mobile devices that caused information silos, and failure to mitigate line-of-sight issues at the rally site.

One critical error involved the delayed communication of a rooftop threat.

“At 6:10 p.m., the Secret Service security room notified the countersniper response agent about an individual on the roof of the AGR building. Unfortunately, that vital information was not relayed over the Secret Service radio network,” Rowe explained.

During the attack, two rally attendees in Butler, Pennsylvania, were injured by gunfire, and 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore lost his life. Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents on the roof.

The incident led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, with several agents placed on leave pending further investigation.

Rowe emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” in the agency’s approach to security, calling for additional funding, personnel, and equipment to improve readiness.

A Congressional task force investigating the attempted assassination urged the Secret Service to hold agents accountable and cooperate with its independent inquiry. “Complacency has no place in the Secret Service,” the task force stated.

In response to the incident, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Friday to bolster Secret Service protection for presidential candidates, granting them the same security level as sitting presidents and vice presidents.

The bill now awaits Senate approval and a signature from President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Rowe confirmed that Trump has already been assigned the highest level of protection.

The urgency for enhanced security measures was further emphasized by a second assassination attempt against Trump last weekend at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents arrested the would-be gunman before any shots were fired, as he lacked a clear line of sight on the former president.

Trump has accused President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of inciting violence through their rhetoric, though both leaders have consistently condemned political violence.

Biden also called on Congress to allocate more resources to the Secret Service, stressing the importance of safeguarding democracy in a dangerous political climate.