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In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, multiple U.S. Secret Service agents have been placed on leave as the agency intensifies its internal investigation. This move comes nearly six weeks after the July 13 incident, highlighting a significant breach in the security apparatus designed to protect the former president.
Among those sidelined are a member of Trump’s personal protective detail and four agents from the Secret Service’s Pittsburgh Field Office, including the special agent in charge. The decision to place these agents on leave underscores the severity of the ongoing investigation into what has been described as a colossal security failure.
The assassination attempt occurred when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a nearby building, targeting the rally where Trump was speaking. Although Trump survived the attempt with only a grazed ear, the attack resulted in the death of one attendee and injuries to two others.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over the preparedness and response of the Secret Service. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., recently disclosed that a whistleblower from within the agency alleged that officials at Secret Service headquarters had advised against requesting additional security measures for the event. This revelation has added to the growing pressure on the agency to explain the lapses that led to the near-tragic outcome.
As the investigation unfolds, the Secret Service's internal affairs department is conducting a thorough review, running parallel to a Congressional inquiry into the events in Butler. The agency's leadership has faced mounting criticism, leading to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle amid calls for accountability.
The investigation aims to uncover how Crooks, who had been previously flagged by law enforcement, managed to evade both the police and Secret Service agents. Video footage from the rally shows Crooks scouting the area, walking around the fairgrounds, and eventually positioning himself on a rooftop just a few hundred yards from Trump. Despite the presence of a drone he operated over the event, Crooks was able to carry out his attack, highlighting severe deficiencies in the security protocols.
In response to the growing scrutiny, the Secret Service has issued a statement affirming its commitment to a comprehensive investigation. Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, stated that the agency is thoroughly examining the processes and decisions that contributed to the security breach.
"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," Guglielmi said. He emphasized that the agency holds its personnel to the highest standards, and any policy violations will be addressed through appropriate disciplinary measures.
As the investigation continues, the Secret Service remains under intense pressure to restore confidence in its ability to protect current and former U.S. leaders, especially in the highly charged atmosphere of the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
