Secret Service Agents Suspended Amid High-Profile Security Breach

August 29, 2024

The Secret Service has suspended five agents following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

At a Glance

Five U.S. Secret Service agents, including a member from Trump’s personal protection team, are on leave after the assassination attempt.
The attempt occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was grazed by a bullet.
The gunman shot eight rounds from a rooftop, resulting in one death and two injuries before being neutralized.
Investigations are underway to uncover policy violations and potential disciplinary measures.

Agents Put on Leave

The Secret Service has temporarily dismissed five agents, including the head of the Pittsburgh field office and a member from former President Trump’s personal protective detail. This course of action follows the alarming attempt on Trump’s life during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Trump narrowly escaped more serious injury as he was grazed by a bullet aimed by Thomas Crooks, who fired eight rounds from a nearby rooftop.

The agents’ actions or inactions are under scrutiny, revealing potential lapses in the otherwise stringent security measures around high-profile individuals.

The Incident

On July 13, Thomas Crooks opened fire from a rooftop during Trump’s rally, hitting Trump and tragically killing Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter. Two other people were injured before a Secret Service sniper neutralized Crooks. This incident not only highlighted the bravery of the Secret Service but also exposed significant lapses in security preparedness.

A “mission assurance review” is currently underway, aiming to delve into how and why this breach occurred. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, stated, “The U.S. Secret Service’s mission assurance review is progressing, and we are examining the processes, procedures and factors that led to this operational failure.” The agency’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards necessitates a thorough investigation into any identified policy violations.

Investigations and Reactions

Both internal and external investigations seek to clarify the failed security measures. The internal probes will be complemented by an external, independent review to gain a comprehensive understanding of what went wrong. Attorney General Merrick Garland underscored the importance of these investigations: “This was a security failure, and there is both an internal and external independent investigation. They will provide lessons learned to prevent such a failure from happening again.”

Lawmakers have also reacted. House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer stressed the need for accountability, echoing public sentiment for rigorous enforcement of security protocols. Congressional inquiries have been initiated, calling for extensive records from the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies involved in the event.

Operational Failures

This assassination attempt laid bare critical vulnerabilities. Questions swirled about why Crooks’ rooftop vantage point wasn’t secured beforehand. Eyewitnesses noted that the gunman was spotted moving suspiciously near event magnetometers well before the shooting. Local law enforcement even flagged Crooks as suspicious roughly 90 minutes before the attack, raising concerns about the adequacy of coordination between the Secret Service and other security agencies at the event.

Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro criticized the Secret Service’s oversight and planning, suggesting institutional issues need addressing. Likewise, a whistleblower claimed that Secret Service officials discouraged agents from seeking additional security for the rally, pointing to systemic shortcomings likely stemming from resource constraints.

Promise of Reform

Acting Director Ronald Rowe has pledged comprehensive reform to avert future security lapses, asserting the organization’s commitment to learning from this near-catastrophic event. Investigations are expected to result in actionable recommendations to enhance the protection of prominent figures at public events.

“The U.S. Secret Service’s mission assurance review is progressing, and we are examining the processes, procedures and factors that led to this operational failure,” said Anthony Guglielmi, the USSS chief of communications, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to stringent review and accountability.

As the nation watches closely, the Secret Service must now navigate this critical period of reflection and reform, aiming to restore public trust and ensure the safety of leaders who serve the American people.