The Secret Service admitted to a major breach of protocol that happened before the attempted assassination attempt of Former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. In a new report released Friday, Sept. 20, agency officials say there was a severe lack of communication between the secret service and local authorities at the rally in July.
The findings revealed numerous gaps in planning, including an unclear chain of command.
As a result, the suspect, Thomas Crooks, had a clear line of sight to Trump from an unprotected rooftop about 150 yards away.
Following the release of the new report, Acting Director Ronald Rowe said, “The paradigm shift will be a driving force to move the Secret Service from a state of reaction to a state of readiness and the vision is for the Secret Service to be more agile with the ability to escalate protection to the highest levels for numerous protectees for undetermined periods of time.”
Rowe went on to say, “But in order to do this we need additional personnel, technical assets and equipment for the sustainment of immediate and future needs.”
He added that employees responsible for the lack of protections during the incident will be held accountable, but didn’t say what that would entail.
The Secret Service has been under scrutiny after two assassination attempts against Trump.
In the aftermath of the first, Former Secret Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned and at least five people were placed on administrative duty.
Rowe added that Trump’s security was increased to a presidential level following the July shooting.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, a second assassination attempt against Trump was thwarted.
An agent on Trump’s protective detail was walking a few hundred yards ahead of Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach when the agent saw a rifle barrel poking out of a tree.
That’s when the agent opened fire at the suspect, Ryan Routh, who was arrested.
Since that latest incident, the House unanimously voted to boost Secret Service protection for all major presidential and vice presidential candidates to be on par with the sitting president.
