Senator James Lankford (R-OK) condemned the Secret Service for attempting to shift blame to local law enforcement for the security breach that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to access a rooftop with an AR-15-style rifle during former President Trump's rally.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has vehemently criticized the Secret Service for blaming local law enforcement for the security lapse that enabled Thomas Matthew Crooks to position himself on a rooftop with an AR-15-style rifle during former President Trump's rally.
According to Lankford, the Secret Service's attempt to pass the buck is a "mistake" and a reflection of their failure to fulfill their primary responsibility of coordinating security efforts among all law enforcement agencies.
Lankford Blasts Secret Service for Blaming Local Law Enforcement in Trump Assassination Attempt
Lankford explained that the Secret Service was aware of a potential threat 15 minutes before Trump took the stage and should have taken immediate action to either neutralize the threat or prevent Trump from appearing.
"They should never have allowed the president to step on that stage," Lankford said. "They should have either figured out if the person was not a threat or picked him up."
Lankford Blasts Secret Service for Blaming Local Law Enforcement in Trump Assassination Attempt
The senator emphasized that elected officials are determined to uncover the truth behind the decision to allow Trump to proceed with his appearance despite the known security risk.
"We're trying to figure out who made that decision," he said. "Why was that decision made the way that it was?"
Lankford Blasts Secret Service for Blaming Local Law Enforcement in Trump Assassination Attempt
Lankford highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, urging the FBI and Secret Service to provide both elected officials and the public with a comprehensive mitigation strategy.
"If there was someone that got on that roof, would they have been able to mitigate the threat?" he asked. "Obviously that didn't occur, at least, proactively."
Lankford Blasts Secret Service for Blaming Local Law Enforcement in Trump Assassination Attempt
While Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged mistakes were made, Lankford expressed concern about the limited information provided to senators during a recent briefing.
"If the facts are not being shared, conspiracy theories run wild," he said. "There's nothing to combat false information."
Lankford Blasts Secret Service for Blaming Local Law Enforcement in Trump Assassination Attempt
Lankford's criticism underscores the ongoing scrutiny and demands for accountability surrounding the security lapse that endangered former President Trump. The senator's relentless pursuit of answers and transparency is a testament to the importance of ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that future security measures are robust and effective.
