Secret Service Faces Scrutiny After Trump Assassination Attempts

Secret Service Faces Scrutiny After Trump Assassination Attempts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe faced bipartisan scrutiny during a congressional hearing on the agency’s failures surrounding two assassination attempts on Donald Trump. Rowe acknowledged critical lapses in planning, communication, and leadership, vowing sweeping reforms to improve training and morale. Lawmakers criticized the agency’s “complacency” and pressed Rowe for accountability as investigations continue.

Secret Service Hearing: Quick Looks

• Failed Assassination Attempt: A gunman shot at Trump during a rally in July, wounding him and killing a bystander.
• Congressional Scrutiny: Bipartisan lawmakers questioned systemic security flaws and a culture of complacency.
• Leadership Promises: Acting Director Ronald Rowe pledged reforms, including stronger training and leadership pipelines.
• High-Stakes Tension: Heated exchanges erupted between Rowe and lawmakers, reflecting the gravity of the agency’s failures.
• Ongoing Investigations: The task force reviewed over 20,000 documents and continues its probe into security lapses.

Deep Look

The Secret Service is under intense scrutiny after critical security lapses allowed two assassination attempts on Donald Trump, including a shooting at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Acting Director Ronald Rowe testified before a bipartisan House task force on Thursday, acknowledging the agency’s “abject failures” and outlining steps to address its shortcomings.

The July Rally Shooting

The July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was marred by chaos when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Trump was grazed in the ear, one rallygoer was killed, and two others were injured. The gunman, Thomas Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

Rowe admitted that advance preparations for the event fell below agency standards, failing to secure buildings with clear sightlines to the stage where Trump was speaking. This oversight was deemed the most glaring failure of the incident.

“This is an unacceptable breakdown in protocol,” Rowe told lawmakers. “The quality of the advance work did not meet the standards we require to ensure protection.”

Florida Attempt Adds to the Agency’s Troubles

Two months later, another attempt on Trump’s life occurred at his golf course in Florida. A gunman waited in hiding but was thwarted when an alert agent noticed a firearm protruding from nearby bushes.

The two incidents have fueled investigations into the Secret Service’s operations, including why blatant vulnerabilities went unaddressed and whether a culture of complacency contributed to the agency’s failures.

Congressional Task Force Scrutiny

The bipartisan task force investigating the attacks grilled Rowe on Thursday. Lawmakers expressed disbelief at the agency’s lack of preparedness and questioned why critical lapses were not identified earlier.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) called the agency’s communication methods “wildly outdated,” criticizing its reliance on text messages and emails during real-time crises. “It’s just wild to me that with today’s technology, you were using such basic tools,” Crow said.

Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) described the agency’s actions during the July shooting as “lackadaisical,” citing basic oversights that pointed to apathy or complacency.

“This isn’t just about training,” Green said. “It speaks to a culture that has become complacent.”

Rowe’s Promises for Reform

Rowe outlined plans to overhaul the agency’s operations and culture, pledging to rebuild trust and professionalism.

“We are reorganizing and reimagining this organization,” Rowe said. His proposed changes include:

• Stronger Training Programs: Addressing previous gaps in preparation and response protocols.
• Leadership Development: Identifying and grooming potential leaders early in their careers.
• Enhanced Accountability: Ensuring that employees responsible for lapses face consequences.
• Event Reviews: Conducting regular evaluations of events to identify and correct weaknesses.

Rowe admitted that the agency had lost its culture of open communication, where employees felt empowered to speak up about potential vulnerabilities. “We have to get back to that,” he said.

Heated Exchange

While much of the hearing was cordial, tensions flared when Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) accused Rowe of attending a 9/11 ceremony for political gain. Fallon suggested Rowe’s presence was an attempt to position himself for permanent appointment as director.

Rowe fired back, defending his attendance as a tribute to a Secret Service member who died in the September 11 attacks. “Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes!” Rowe shouted, calling Fallon’s comments “out of line.”

Fallon retorted by accusing Rowe of “auditioning for the job,” to which Rowe responded with visible frustration.

Task Force Investigations

The task force has conducted 46 interviews, reviewed over 20,000 documents, and visited the sites of both assassination attempts. Its findings have revealed systemic issues within the Secret Service, including inadequate planning, poor communication, and a lack of urgency in addressing threats.

The panel’s final report, due December 13, is expected to provide a roadmap for reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Staffing and Morale

Despite the intense criticism, Rowe noted a net gain of 200 agents in the past fiscal year, signaling improved recruitment and retention. However, he acknowledged that restoring morale and confidence within the agency remains a challenge.

“We must ensure our agents feel supported and empowered to perform their duties effectively,” Rowe said.

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