Former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker discusses the latest findings from the Trump assassination attempt ahead of Trump's interview with the FBI. Senators are accusing the Secret Service of trying to make local law enforcement into "a scapegoat" for the shooting.
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service has come under fire for its handling of security. Acting Director Ronald Rowe has testified before senators, attempting to shift blame onto local law enforcement. Senators, however, are accusing the Secret Service of scapegoating local officers.
During his testimony, Rowe claimed that local police were responsible for not spotting Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman, on top of the building from which he fired. However, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger has disputed this account, saying local snipers were not responsible for monitoring that rooftop.
Secret Service Blames Local Law Enforcement for Trump Assassination Attempt, Senators Accuse
Senators have expressed outrage at the Secret Service's attempt to place blame on local law enforcement. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) called it "looking for a scapegoat," while Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said it had a "CYA [cover your a--] feel to it."
Goldinger, who coordinated local snipers at the rally, stated that they were assigned to a different vantage point than the one Rowe pointed to in his testimony. Monitoring the roof from which Crooks fired was not their assignment.
Secret Service Blames Local Law Enforcement for Trump Assassination Attempt, Senators Accuse
Hawley noted that he has heard conflicting stories from whistleblowers on both sides, indicating a lack of clarity in the situation. He criticized Rowe's testimony for attempting to shift blame rather than address the underlying issues.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) condemned the Secret Service's attempt to throw local law enforcement "under the bus," warning that it could damage cooperation between the two agencies.
Secret Service Blames Local Law Enforcement for Trump Assassination Attempt, Senators Accuse
Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) expressed concern that the Secret Service was not sufficiently aware of the potential threat posed by the rooftop from which Crooks fired.
Rowe's testimony is facing scrutiny from both senators and local officials in Pennsylvania. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is set to interview all parties involved in the rally shooting.
Secret Service Blames Local Law Enforcement for Trump Assassination Attempt, Senators Accuse
Former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and accountability. He noted that Trump's interview with the FBI will be crucial in understanding the full circumstances of the assassination attempt.
The ongoing investigation into the Secret Service's handling of the security at the Trump rally is expected to continue in the coming weeks. The findings could have significant implications for the agency's future operations and its relationship with local law enforcement.
