A Secret Service assessment of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a July 13 campaign rally has revealed multiple security and communication failures.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe discussed the findings, highlighting “communications deficiencies” and a “lack of due diligence” in securing the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, wounding Trump and two others, and killing one attendee.
The report criticizes poor coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement, an over-reliance on mobile devices, and inadequate advance planning, including the failure to address line-of-sight issues. Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper during the attack. The assassination attempt led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and sparked investigations by Congress and the FBI.
A second security breach occurred this week when a man armed with a high-powered rifle was arrested near Trump’s South Florida golf course. In response, the House unanimously voted to enhance Secret Service protection for presidential candidates, a measure already in effect since the July attack.
Rowe stressed the need for more resources, noting the strain on the agency’s capacity and ongoing discussions with Congress to secure additional funding.
