The U.S. Secret Service has acknowledged security lapses in the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump, while defending its handling of a recent incident in Florida. Acting Director Ronald Rowe addressed these issues during a press conference on September 20, 2024, highlighting the agency's commitment to improvement and accountability.
The internal review of the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, revealed communication gaps and protocol breaches. Rowe stated, "There was complacency on the part of some agents that led to a breach of security protocols." He assured that disciplinary measures would be taken but refrained from providing specific details.
The July attack, which left Trump with an ear wound and resulted in one fatality and two injuries, sparked widespread criticism of the Secret Service. This led to the resignation of the former director and raised questions about the agency's effectiveness.
In contrast, Rowe defended the agency's response to a September 15 incident at Trump's Florida golf club. He praised the swift action of agents who fired at a suspect spotted with a rifle, preventing any harm to the former president.
The Secret Service, founded in 1865 to combat counterfeit currency, has evolved significantly over the years. It began protecting presidents in 1901 following William McKinley's assassination and now employs over 7,000 staff. The agency utilizes advanced technology such as infrared cameras and chemical sensors, and its agents undergo rigorous training in marksmanship and hand-to-hand combat.
Rowe assured that Trump is receiving the same level of protection as President Biden and Vice President Harris, his rivals in the upcoming November 5 election. This commitment reflects the agency's mandate to protect current and former presidents, as well as major candidates.
The internal investigation highlighted communication failures between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Despite identifying Butler as a security challenge, measures to address these concerns were not properly implemented. Notably, Trump's security detail was unaware of local law enforcement's pursuit of a suspicious individual who turned out to be the gunman.
"It appears that those agents, those supervisors, made swift decisions and made correct decisions."
This statement refers to the Florida incident, contrasting with the acknowledged failures in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service's internal probe is one of several ongoing investigations, including those led by Congress, an independent panel, and the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog.
As the agency works to address these security concerns, it continues to fulfill its diverse responsibilities, including investigating financial crimes and securing major events. The Secret Service played a crucial role in the 2009 presidential inauguration, demonstrating its capacity for large-scale security operations.
The coming months will likely see further developments as the agency implements reforms and prepares for the challenges of the upcoming presidential election.