Secret Service Admits Failures in July 13 Trump Assassination Attempt in Butler, PA

Sep 20, 2024, 05:28 PM

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe held a briefing on the agency's investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Rowe admitted to significant failures in the Secret Service's planning and execution, citing issues such as communication deficiencies, lack of clear guidance to local law enforcement, and technical difficulties with drone capabilities. The investigation revealed that the local police team responsible for the rooftop from which the shooter fired had not communicated with the Secret Service. Rowe emphasized the need for a 'paradigm shift' in the agency's protective operations and stated that employees responsible for the failures would be held accountable. The findings also highlighted complacency and a lack of diligence among Secret Service personnel, which contributed to the security breach. The briefing also addressed a second attempt on Trump's life.