DHS-Appointed Panel Urges Secret Service Overhaul After Trump Assassination Attempt

Oct 17, 2024, 12:11 PM

An independent panel appointed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has called for fundamental reforms within the U.S. Secret Service following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The panel's report cited numerous mistakes and systemic issues within the agency, stating that "The Secret Service has become bureaucratic, complacent, and static even though risks have multiplied and technology has evolved." The panel warned of "deep flaws" and a "troubling lack of critical thinking" within the agency, emphasizing that "The Secret Service as an agency requires fundamental reform to carry out its mission. Without that reform, the Independent Review Panel believes another Butler can and will happen again." Recommendations include overhauling the Secret Service's leadership, mostly from outside the agency, to address these systemic problems.