Congressional members are voicing serious concerns over the recent Secret Service handling of former President Donald Trump’s security. Following a near-fatal assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, allegations have surfaced that the Secret Service was deliberately set up to fail for political reasons.
During the Butler rally on July 13, 2024, a shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to position himself on a rooftop with a direct line of sight to Trump. Despite witnesses alerting the Secret Service about the suspicious individual, the shooter was able to fire multiple rounds, one of which struck Trump in the ear, causing a non-fatal injury. One spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured before Secret Service agents neutralized the shooter.
"Then why did your agency *DELETE* the email??"
BREAKING: Senator @MarshaBlackburn confronts Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe about a *DELETED* Counter-Sniper's email calling out the agency's lack of accountability over the Trump assassination attempt.
"This agency… pic.twitter.com/n1uLvJq4da
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 30, 2024
The fallout has been swift and intense. Critics argue that the supplemental approach to Trump’s security, which relies heavily on Department of Homeland Security agents and local law enforcement, is inadequate for a former president. Sources within the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies have expressed their concerns about the protective measures in place, citing significant gaps and failures in the system.
Former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator Dan Bongino criticized Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, accusing her of repeatedly denying requests for enhanced security measures for Trump despite knowing the high threat level. Bongino labeled the incident a "catastrophic failure”.
New video of the moments before the Trump assassination attempt further shows that it makes zero sense the Secret Service simply missed the shooter.
He was literally running across the roof in plain sight.
pic.twitter.com/Lx7Z2Rq7kM— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 31, 2024
Adding to the controversy, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) has introduced legislation aimed at stripping Secret Service protection from any former president convicted of a felony. This move has been interpreted by some as a direct attempt to undermine Trump’s security, given his ongoing legal battles.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the politicization of federal protection services. Army Special Forces veteran Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) and other conservative figures have suggested that the security lapse may have been intentional, designed to leave Trump vulnerable. These claims have yet to be substantiated, but they have intensified the scrutiny on the Secret Service's actions and decisions leading up to the shooting.
The Secret Service has responded by stating that additional protective resources and technology were deployed for Trump’s increased campaign activities. However, the agency's reassurances have done little to quell the growing distrust and criticism from political figures and the public alike.
As investigations continue, the implications of this incident extend beyond immediate security concerns, highlighting potential political motivations that may influence the future of presidential protection protocols.
The assination attempt on Trump was politically motivated, it’s obvious. Homeland security agents substituted for trained USSS agents makes that perfectly clear.
It was all of those in our Government and alphabet agencies who have been after President Trump since he won in 2016. Remember everything they have done to him. Strok and Paige saying they weren’t going to let him win, then the Russian hoaxes etc. everything to destroy him. The Lawfare and political persecution from Biden’s DOJ everything to keep him out of this election and they couldn’t stop him so they tried to assassinate the man! Pray without ceasing for President Trump, his family and our Nation!