Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker criticizes Secret Service deficiencies exposed during the Trump rally shooting, calling for increased security measures and scrutiny.
On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Secret Service's handling of the incident has sparked widespread criticism, prompting calls for heightened security measures and a full investigation into their protocols.
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker, a veteran of the Secret Service, expressed grave concerns about the agency's performance during the assassination attempt. "Their failures are unacceptable," he asserted. "The Secret Service needs to step up their game."
Secret Service "Must Step Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
Swecker pointed to several areas where significant security lapses occurred. "The assailant was able to get within 135 meters of the stage, despite the presence of multiple agents," he explained. "That's a serious breach that could have had catastrophic consequences."
The incident also raised questions about the adequacy of female agents within the Secret Service. Some conservative commentators and donors criticized the performance of a female agent who shielded Trump, claiming that she was not tall enough to effectively protect him.
Secret Service "Must Step Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
Swecker dismissed these criticisms as "outrageous." "Female agents are just as capable as their male counterparts," he emphasized. "In fact, many of them have demonstrated exceptional bravery and competence in the line of duty."
However, he acknowledged that there may be room for improvement in the Secret Service's recruitment and training practices. "We need to ensure that we are attracting and developing the best possible talent," he said. "Diversity should be a priority, but it should never compromise the agency's mission."
Secret Service "Must Step Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
The incident has also cast a spotlight on the need for increased scrutiny of the Secret Service. The agency has been under fire for a series of security breaches in recent years, including the 2021 Capitol riots and the 2014 White House fence-jumping incident.
"We need to conduct a thorough review of the Secret Service's protocols and make necessary adjustments," Swecker emphasized. "The American people deserve to know that their president and other high-ranking officials are being protected by the most capable and effective security force possible."
Secret Service "Must Step Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
Following the assassination attempt, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid bipartisan pressure. The House Homeland Security Committee has launched a full investigation into the incident, and several members of Congress have called for a complete overhaul of the agency.
"The Secret Service has a critical mission," Swecker concluded. "They must be held accountable for their failures and take immediate steps to rectify the situation. The safety of our nation's leaders depends on it."
Secret Service "Must Step Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
