Assistant Director Michael Plati, responsible for protective operations, leaves tenure amidst ongoing investigation into security failures that allowed for an attempted assassination on former President Trump.
Assistant Director Michael Plati, a high-ranking official within the United States Secret Service (USSS), has been encouraged to retire nearly two months after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to a source involved at the highest levels of the internal investigation, Plati was in charge of planning for the protection of Trump and other high-profile individuals, including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. JD Vance.
The USSS issued a statement denying that Plati was asked to resign or retire, claiming it was a personal decision. However, other sources involved in the investigation have confirmed the narrative that he was encouraged to leave following the security failure in Butler, which has shaken the agency at all levels.
High-Ranking Secret Service Official Encouraged to Retire After Trump Assassination Attempt
Michael Plati has served the USSS for 27 years, and his departure comes shortly before the agency is set to brief Congress on the lessons learned from the Trump assassination attempt. The USSS has emphasized its respect for oversight and its efforts to learn from the failure, providing extensive documentation and employee interviews.
Despite the USSS's statements, sources within the agency dispute the claim that Plati's retirement was unrelated to the shooting investigation. They suggest that the timing is coincidental and that the decision was made in anticipation of congressional briefings where the connection between the retirement and the security failure will likely be discussed.
High-Ranking Secret Service Official Encouraged to Retire After Trump Assassination Attempt
Plati's departure has raised concerns among some Secret Service agents, who value his integrity and honesty. They express regret over his exit, citing his leadership qualities and commitment to the agency.
The USSS Director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned under pressure following the assassination attempt, and the Department of Defense (DOD) has since offered assistance in protecting high-profile figures. The DOD will provide logistical, transportation, and communication support through the 2024 campaign season.
High-Ranking Secret Service Official Encouraged to Retire After Trump Assassination Attempt
The ongoing investigation into the security failure that led to the Trump assassination attempt continues to be a focus for Congress, and Plati's retirement is expected to shed further light on the agency's response and the challenges it faces in providing efficient protection. The USSS is committed to addressing its shortcomings and ensuring that such security breaches do not occur again.
