Washington, D.C. : A recent Secret Service review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on July 13 revealed significant lapses in communication and security procedures. According to the assessment, multiple breakdowns in coordination with local law enforcement and a “lack of due diligence” by the Secret Service contributed to the breach.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe presented the findings from the agency’s “mission assurance review” during a briefing with reporters, noting that the final report is expected in the coming weeks. “We need a shift in paradigm in how we conduct our protective operations,” Rowe stated, emphasizing that the evolving threat environment necessitates a more comprehensive approach.
Timeline of the July 13 Incident
Rowe outlined the events leading up to the shooting at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, wounding Trump and two others while killing one attendee. The shooting occurred at 6:11 p.m. local time, moments after local police had confronted Crooks on the rooftop of the AGR building. A critical misstep occurred when vital information regarding Crooks’ presence was not relayed over the Secret Service radio network in time to prevent the attack.
The review pointed to deficiencies in communication between the Secret Service and state and local law enforcement, particularly an over-reliance on mobile devices that led to delays in critical information sharing. Despite pre-rally discussions about securing the AGR building, the report noted that security gaps—such as issues with line-of-sight to Trump—were not properly addressed.
Rowe also acknowledged lapses in advance planning, with certain Secret Service personnel displaying complacency. “While some members of the advance team were diligent, others failed to adhere to security protocols, resulting in the breach,” Rowe said, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.
Crooks, 20, was ultimately shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper after opening fire. The assassination attempt has drawn widespread criticism of the Secret Service, prompting the resignation of then-Director Kimberly Cheatle and the appointment of Rowe as acting director. Multiple investigations, including a congressional task force and an FBI probe, are ongoing.
Addressing the Shortcomings
A five-page summary of the Secret Service’s findings underscored several “communications deficiencies” during the rally. One notable failure was the lack of coordination between a local tactical team stationed on the second floor of the AGR building and Secret Service personnel. Additionally, questions were raised about the positioning of the Secret Service sniper team, which had not been adequately discussed with advance staff.
The report highlighted a broader “lack of detailed knowledge” about the role of state and local law enforcement at the rally, particularly in areas just outside the established security perimeter. The failure to broadcast Crooks’ description over the agency’s radio network further compromised the collective situational awareness of Secret Service personnel.
Second Assassination Attempt Raises Alarm
The scrutiny of Trump’s security intensified again this week following the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, who was discovered with a high-powered rifle near Trump’s South Florida golf course. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh in the tree line, and authorities later recovered an AK-47-style rifle, a scope, and other equipment near the scene. Officials are treating the incident as a second assassination attempt.
While Trump was not in immediate danger during the second incident, Rowe praised the agent’s “swift action” in neutralizing the threat. The incident has renewed calls for stronger Secret Service protection for major presidential and vice-presidential candidates, a measure Congress is actively debating.
Rowe noted that Trump’s current level of protection remains the highest available, but he warned that the agency’s resources are stretched thin. The Biden administration has requested additional funding for the Secret Service as lawmakers debate how to address the increasing demands on the agency.
“Our resources are finite, and we are pushing them to their limits,” Rowe said, as discussions with Congress over budget increases continue ahead of an October 1 deadline.
Key Points:
- Security Failures: A Secret Service review revealed critical lapses in communication and coordination that contributed to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- Communication Breakdown: Vital information about the shooter’s presence was not relayed over the Secret Service radio network in time, and there was an over-reliance on mobile devices, leading to delays in communication with state and local law enforcement.
- Advance Planning Issues: The report highlighted complacency among some Secret Service personnel and deficiencies in securing the AGR building, which allowed the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to gain rooftop access.
- Assassination Attempt: Crooks opened fire at the rally, injuring Trump and two others while killing one attendee. Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
- Investigations Ongoing: The Secret Service is conducting an internal review, with additional investigations from a bipartisan congressional task force and the FBI. The agency’s former director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned after the incident.
- Second Assassination Attempt: Another suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after being found with a high-powered rifle near Trump’s South Florida golf course. Law enforcement is treating this as a second assassination attempt.
- Calls for Stronger Protection: In light of these incidents, Congress is considering legislation to boost Secret Service protection for presidential candidates, while the Biden administration is seeking increased funding to support the agency’s stretched resources.
