Official announcements from the U.S. Secret Service or credible news outlets

Secret Service Faces Scrutiny After Ignoring 10 Years of Warnings About Security Weaknesses at Butler Rally, Where Gunman Came Within 150 Yards

Jan 1, 2025, 04:49 PM

The U.S. Secret Service is facing scrutiny following a series of warnings about its security weaknesses that were ignored over the past decade. Reports indicate that an agent with only four years of experience was in charge of security during a rally for Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman was able to get within 150 yards of the stage. This incident has raised concerns about the agency's preparedness, particularly as two in five agents currently lack sufficient experience. The agency has been criticized for its inability to address long-standing issues, which some believe contributed to the assassination attempts on Trump last year. An exodus of veteran agents has further exacerbated the situation, leaving the agency reliant on less experienced personnel. Calls for urgent reforms have intensified as officials warn that continued inaction could lead to further threats against public figures.