An internal review by the US Secret Service has revealed significant planning and communication failures that contributed to the security breakdown during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump two months ago. According to acting Director Ronald Rowe, the interim report pointed to “complacency” among some agents.
One key issue highlighted in the report was the use of different radio frequencies between local police and the Secret Service, which left Trump’s protection team unaware of a suspicious individual identified at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Additionally, the report pointed out that the building from which the gunman fired had not been properly secured. The attack, which occurred on July 13, led to the resignation of the previous Secret Service director.
"The Secret Service failed to provide clear guidance to local law enforcement partners," Rowe said during a briefing on Friday.
During the incident, a gunman fired eight shots from the roof of a nearby building. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, was grazed by a bullet, while one rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured. A Secret Service sniper ultimately shot and killed the suspect.
The report found that Trump’s security detail was unaware that state and local law enforcement were actively pursuing a suspicious individual, who turned out to be the shooter. Had they known, the report suggests, agents might have relocated Trump as a precaution.
Vital information was communicated through channels outside of the Secret Service's radio frequencies, leading to a dangerous gap in awareness. The gunman was able to access a rooftop with a clear line of sight to Trump as he spoke at the rally.
Rowe cited a failure to secure the building and rooftop, acknowledging that concerns about line-of-sight were noted but not escalated or addressed properly. He stressed the need for the Secret Service to take full responsibility and not shift blame to other agencies, stating, "This was a failure on the part of the United States Secret Service."
Rowe emphasized the importance of accountability and the lessons learned from the incident, vowing to prevent future failures. The agency has indicated that disciplinary actions will be taken against those involved.
Rowe also noted an increased threat environment, following a second apparent assassination attempt on Trump in Florida, and called for a "paradigm shift" in how the agency operates.
In response to these events, the US House of Representatives voted unanimously to strengthen Secret Service protection for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The bill will now move to the Senate for approval.
