US lawmakers have hinted at a shocking and critical report on the Secret Service's failures during an assassination attempt on former President Trump, vowing to reveal severe security lapses and communication breakdowns. The upcoming report, stemming from an interim investigation, is expected to expose deficiencies that led to a gunman opening fire on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe has presented an interim report to Congress, detailing the agency's findings on the security lapses that enabled a gunman to target former President Trump during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The briefing, attended by both House and Senate members, outlined the Secret Service's internal mission evaluation, which is now complete.
Secret Service Falling: Senators Promise Shocking Report on Assassination Attempt
According to Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.), who leads the Trump Assassination Task Force, the briefing with Rowe was a lengthy and candid discussion. Rowe reportedly discussed the security failings, ongoing fixes, and resourcing constraints faced by the Secret Service during the election cycle.
Crow revealed that Rowe reviewed various aspects of the event, including site selection, security planning, communication channels between local law enforcement and campaign staff, perimeter security, and the clearing of lines of sight.
Secret Service Falling: Senators Promise Shocking Report on Assassination Attempt
During a visit to the rally site, Crow expressed concerns about the perimeter being too small and the gunman's position on a building roof just over 100 yards from Trump's platform, which fell outside the designated perimeter.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) emphasized the severity of the findings, stating that the upcoming report "will absolutely shock the American people" due to the lapses in protection and breakdowns in communication. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) stressed the bipartisan nature of the investigation.
Secret Service Falling: Senators Promise Shocking Report on Assassination Attempt
Meanwhile, senior Secret Service officials involved in the Butler security operation are reportedly being encouraged to retire early to avoid congressional scrutiny. Several high-level employees with direct or indirect connections to the incident have already opted for retirement.
The Trump Assassination Task Force is scheduled to hold its first public hearing later this month, focusing on the role of local law enforcement.
The FBI continues its separate investigation into the shooter. The comprehensive investigation aims to prevent such security breaches in the future.
The Secret Service's mission assurance probe is nearing completion and will soon be made public, providing a more detailed analysis of the agency's shortcomings.
The upcoming report on the Secret Service's failures during the assassination attempt on former President Trump is anticipated to shed light on the systemic issues and vulnerabilities within the agency responsible for protecting high-level government officials.
