Court records or official announcements from the Department of Justice

Senate Report Reveals Secret Service Failures in July 13 Butler Trump Assassination Attempt

Sep 25, 2024, 01:40 PM

A bipartisan Senate investigation has revealed significant failures within the U.S. Secret Service that contributed to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The Senate committee's 94-page interim report highlights a series of preventable and foreseeable errors, including a lack of clear decision-making, poor communication with local law enforcement, and inadequate resource allocation. Notably, an inexperienced Secret Service agent had to call a toll-free number for drone assistance, and a sniper who observed police running toward the gunman's location failed to alert Trump's protective detail. The report also found that the Secret Service was aware of credible threats from Thomas Matthew Crooks but did not inform Trump or take necessary precautions. Additionally, fireman Corey Comperatore was killed during the incident. The committee's findings underscore the need for immediate reforms and accountability within the Secret Service to prevent future security lapses.