A congressional task force has unveiled a damning report on the Secret Service’s failures to protect former President Donald Trump from assassination attempts, calling for sweeping changes to the agency’s operations.
At a Glance
- House task force deems Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania “preventable”
- Report criticizes Secret Service for security failures and staffing issues
- Recommendations include potentially moving Secret Service out of DHS
- Successful prevention of Florida assassination attempt highlighted as effective security measure
- Task force suggests limiting number of individuals receiving Secret Service protection
Butler Rally Incident: A Preventable Tragedy
The House task force’s investigation into the assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump has revealed significant security lapses, particularly in the Butler, Pennsylvania rally incident. The attack resulted in Trump being shot in the ear, two attendees injured, and one person killed. The 180-page report didn’t mince words about the gravity of the situation.
“The Task Force found that the tragic and shocking events in Butler, Pennsylvania were preventable and should not have happened,” the report stated.
The FBI is investigating the Butler shooting as an attempted assassination and potential domestic terrorism. Nearly 100 interviews have been conducted, and hundreds of digital media tips are being reviewed. The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, acted alone and was not previously known to the FBI.
Florida Incident: A Stark Contrast
In contrast to the Butler rally failure, a subsequent assassination attempt in Florida was successfully thwarted, demonstrating the effectiveness of proper security measures. The report highlighted this success, stating, “Conversely, the events that transpired on September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida, demonstrated how properly executed protective measures can foil an attempted assassination.”
During the Florida incident, a man with a gun was discovered in the bushes and fled after a Secret Service agent opened fire. The suspect, Ryan Routh, was arrested and is awaiting trial. This successful prevention underscores the importance of robust security protocols.
Recommendations for Sweeping Changes
The task force’s report doesn’t just criticize; it offers concrete recommendations for improving the Secret Service’s operations. One of the most significant suggestions is to consider moving the Secret Service out of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“The current structure potentially weakens USSS, a small but critically important agency, in advocating for its budget and other priorities inside a much larger entity,” the report explained.
Other recommendations include reducing the number of foreign leaders protected by the Secret Service during election seasons and limiting the overall number of individuals receiving protection. These measures aim to conserve resources and allow the agency to focus on its primary duty of protecting the President and other critical U.S. leaders.
Addressing Staffing and Resource Issues
The report identified critical staffing and resource shortages that contributed to the security failures. It noted a lack of personnel during the Pennsylvania incident and highlighted the strain on resources during events like the United Nations General Assembly.
“The events of July 13, 2024, were tragic and preventable, and the litany of related security failures are unacceptable,” the authors stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The task force also recommended a review of Secret Service protocols for golf courses, noting “critical vulnerabilities” in security at the Palm Beach golf course where another attempt occurred.
Response from the Secret Service
In response to the report, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi acknowledged the findings and expressed commitment to implementing changes. “The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the diligence and dedication displayed by Chairman Kelly, Ranking Member Crow and the distinguished members of the House Task Force as they investigated and identified the factors that contributed to the assassination attempt of President-elect Donald Trump and the Secret Service’s failures during the protective advance leading up to July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Guglielmi said.
