Secret Service Criticized for Failures Leading to Attempt on Trump’s Life During Rally
A U.S. Senate committee has harshly criticized the Secret Service for its “inexcusable” failures following an incident where a gunman attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump at a campaign rally last year. The inquiry faulted the agency for a pattern of negligence and poor communication in organizing and executing the event.
The gunman, who opened fire on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, injured the candidate minorly, while killing one bystander and wounding two others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, remains a subject of ongoing investigation regarding their motives.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee called the sequence of events a “cascade of preventable failures” that nearly resulted in Trump’s death. Despite these failures, none of the six staff members disciplined by the Secret Service have been fired. The actions taken were seen as insufficient by Committee Chairman Rand Paul, who demanded stricter accountability and reforms.
“It was a complete breakdown of security.. fueled by bureaucratic indifference, a lack of clear protocols, and a shocking refusal to act on direct threats,” Paul stated, calling for better coordination among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of a dedicated aerial surveillance division.
The Secret Service has acknowledged these shortcomings and is implementing changes, as well as punishing staff with suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days without pay. Trump, when queried about the incident, acknowledged “mistakes were made” but expressed satisfaction with the investigation’s outcome. He also described the presidency as a “dangerous profession” but stated he prefers not to dwell on the assault attempt.
To mark the somber occasion, Trump joined family and friends to watch Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain, emphasizing his resilience and focus on other matters.
The gunman, who opened fire on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, injured the candidate minorly, while killing one bystander and wounding two others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, remains a subject of ongoing investigation regarding their motives.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee called the sequence of events a “cascade of preventable failures” that nearly resulted in Trump’s death. Despite these failures, none of the six staff members disciplined by the Secret Service have been fired. The actions taken were seen as insufficient by Committee Chairman Rand Paul, who demanded stricter accountability and reforms.
“It was a complete breakdown of security.. fueled by bureaucratic indifference, a lack of clear protocols, and a shocking refusal to act on direct threats,” Paul stated, calling for better coordination among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of a dedicated aerial surveillance division.
The Secret Service has acknowledged these shortcomings and is implementing changes, as well as punishing staff with suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days without pay. Trump, when queried about the incident, acknowledged “mistakes were made” but expressed satisfaction with the investigation’s outcome. He also described the presidency as a “dangerous profession” but stated he prefers not to dwell on the assault attempt.
To mark the somber occasion, Trump joined family and friends to watch Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain, emphasizing his resilience and focus on other matters.
