Official announcements from the Secret Service or news reports

Secret Service Takes Full Responsibility for Trump Assassination Attempt Failures in Butler, PA

Aug 2, 2024, 08:10 PM

The U.S. Secret Service has taken full responsibility for the security failures during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe admitted multiple lapses, including technological failures and miscommunication with local law enforcement. A whistleblower has accused Rowe of reducing counter-surveillance efforts and retaliating against agents who raised security concerns. The Secret Service and FBI are investigating a video recorded by James Copenhaver, one of the victims, which shows a figure moving before the shooting. The agency has pledged to implement changes to improve security and communication protocols. This incident marked the first time counter-snipers were deployed to protect Trump at a campaign event since he left office. Despite local police warning about the gunman, the message did not reach the Secret Service in time. Rowe emphasized that local law enforcement should not be held responsible for the failures and promised accountability within the agency.