Republican Senator Rick Scott questions the Secret Service's handling of the assassination attempt against former President Trump, claiming that an internal email reveals concerns about the agency's focus on covering up rather than protecting the former president.
In the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Trump, the Secret Service has come under scrutiny for alleged security lapses and a lack of transparency. Republican Senator Rick Scott has raised concerns about an internal email that purportedly reveals agents within the agency were more worried about protecting themselves than ensuring the former president's safety.
During a Senate hearing, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn grilled Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe about the email and its implications for public trust in the agency's ability to fulfill its mission. Blackburn read excerpts from the email, which was reportedly sent by a Secret Service counter sniper, alleging that the agency's motto had become "CYA," an acronym for "cover your a--."
Secret Service Under Fire for Alleged "Cover Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
Rowe expressed regret over the email and acknowledged the hurt and frustration felt by his agents. He described himself as a "change agent" committed to addressing concerns and improving the agency's operations. However, he also defended the Secret Service's actions, stating that no information about a weapon on the roof had been relayed to his personnel.
Senator Mike Lee raised questions about how Trump was allowed on stage 17 minutes after reports of a suspicious person, highlighting a potential breakdown in communication. Rowe responded that the information had remained confined to local law enforcement channels and had not reached the Secret Service.
Secret Service Under Fire for Alleged "Cover Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
The allegations come after the FBI revealed that the gunman, Thomas Crooks, accessed the roof of a building near Trump's rally using HVAC equipment and traversed multiple rooftops to find his shooting position. Despite being noticed by law enforcement prior to the attack, Crooks' presence and intentions remained undetected by the Secret Service.
The email and subsequent revelations have raised concerns about the agency's ability to protect former presidents and ensure their safety during public events. The Senate hearing underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt and the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Secret Service Under Fire for Alleged "Cover Up" After Trump Assassination Attempt
Fox News Digital reached out to the Secret Service for comment, which referred the request to Rowe's testimony. The FBI's ongoing investigation into Crooks' actions and the Secret Service's response to the assassination attempt aims to provide a clearer timeline of events and identify any systemic weaknesses within the agency.
