In a shocking revelation, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) has disclosed that the U.S. Secret Service chose not to deploy drones or station law enforcement personnel on top of a water tower during a fateful Pennsylvania rally where former President Trump was shot. This failure in security has raised serious questions about the agency's planning and execution.
Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) has shed light on a grave security lapse by the U.S. Secret Service during former President Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Following a briefing with elected officials, Guest revealed that the Secret Service had access to drones and chose not to utilize them at the rally site.
Secret Service Negligence Exposed: No Drones or Roof Surveillance at Trump Rally Site
Furthermore, Guest emphasized that the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) possessed drones but did not receive any requests from the Secret Service to employ them. The lack of counter-drone measures and elevated surveillance contributed to the vulnerability of the rally.
Rep. Guest highlighted the strategic significance of a water tower located near the rally site. He asserted that positioning law enforcement officers on the water tower would have enabled them to monitor the entire perimeter from an elevated perspective. However, despite the presence of this vantage point, no personnel were stationed there.
Secret Service Negligence Exposed: No Drones or Roof Surveillance at Trump Rally Site
Guest's observations underscore the abysmal failures in the Secret Service's planning, execution, and leadership. He criticized the agency's Director, Kimberly Cheatle, who has since resigned, for offering excuses and failing to take responsibility for the security breaches.
Congressional concerns were raised after Cheatle claimed that deploying officers on the water tower's roof was deemed unsafe due to its steep slope. However, Congressman Carlos Gimenez, despite being 70 years old, successfully traversed the roof, contradicting Cheatle's assertion.
Secret Service Negligence Exposed: No Drones or Roof Surveillance at Trump Rally Site
Guest pointed out that Congress had already allocated a substantial budget of over $3 billion to the Secret Service this year, specifically anticipating the heightened security demands of a presidential election year. He emphasized that the agency had been provided with ample resources to prepare for the protective details they would have to provide.
The failure to adequately prepare for the rally, coupled with the absence of drones and personnel surveillance, has raised concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect U.S. leaders effectively. Guest implored the agency to acknowledge its resource limitations and seek congressional support for appropriate funding if necessary.
Secret Service Negligence Exposed: No Drones or Roof Surveillance at Trump Rally Site
The FBI has indicated that it is devoting significant resources to the investigation of the Trump rally shooting. The agency has characterized the attack as an assassination attempt that resulted in Trump's injuries and other casualties. The probe is ongoing, with the FBI's Shooting Reconstruction Team examining evidence such as bullet fragments.
The Secret Service has yet to provide a response to Fox News Digital's request for comment on these revelations. The lack of adequate security measures at the Trump rally has sparked alarm and calls for accountability within the Secret Service and other responsible agencies.
Secret Service Negligence Exposed: No Drones or Roof Surveillance at Trump Rally Site
