Secret Service Agents Suspended Following Mysterious Incident Involving Trump

The Secret Service has suspended several agents following a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, raising significant questions about internal security and procedural integrity.

At a Glance

At least five Secret Service agents, including the head of the agency’s Pittsburgh field office, have been placed on leave.
The assassination attempt occurred at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
The gunman, Thomas Crooks, fired eight rounds from a rooftop, killing one crowd member and injuring two others before being shot dead.
Cory Comperatore, a Pennsylvania firefighter, was killed during the incident.

Agents Suspended and Internal Review Initiated

Following the foiled assassination attempt on former President Trump, at least five Secret Service agents, including members from his personal protective team and the Pittsburgh Field Office, have been placed on administrative leave. This development is part of an extensive internal review process to address the agency’s operational shortcomings.

The assassination attempt unfolded on July 13 during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet as the gunman, Thomas Crooks, fired eight rounds from a nearby rooftop. Crooks killed one rally attendee and injured two others before he was neutralized by a Secret Service sniper. In response, the FBI has taken the lead in investigating the incident.

Our agency relies on the support of courageous police officers and local partners. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and bravery. Any suggestion otherwise is simply not true. pic.twitter.com/m7m6raCleW

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 16, 2024

Questions About Security Protocols

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, emphasized that the agency’s “mission assurance review is progressing, and we are examining the processes, procedures, and factors that led to this operational failure.”

“We hold our personnel to the highest professional standards, and any identified and substantiated violations of policy will be investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for potential disciplinary action.”

This suspension also led to the resignation of the Secret Service director at the time, Kimberly Cheatle, who faced scrutiny over the agency’s handling of the incident. Acting Director Ronald Rowe has promised a thorough investigation into the failures that allowed the gunman to open fire.

During a recent interview with @CNN, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle discussed the July 13 security lapses and emphasized our agency's dedication to preventing similar incidents in the future.https://t.co/YyL0dBGw2D

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 17, 2024

Congressional Oversight and Investigation

The situation has garnered attention from Congress, prompting an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of the event. Both the House and Senate have demanded comprehensive records from law enforcement agencies. House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer and Senator Josh Hawley have voiced support for the actions taken against the Secret Service members involved.

“This was a security failure, and there is both an internal and external independent investigation,” Garland said. “They will provide lessons learned to prevent such a failure from happening again.”

At the same time, members of the public and security experts have raised concerns about why the gunman’s rooftop location was not secured in advance, as it was a known vulnerability. Eyewitnesses to the event noted that the gunman had been spotted moving around the roof before he opened fire, highlighting lapses in early warning and response protocols.

A big thank you to all our security partners for their outstanding collaboration and dedication to ensuring the safety and success of the 2024 NATO Summit. Your hard work and commitment make these events possible. #NATOSummit2024 #NATO #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/kdIhuiOpFN

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 13, 2024

Conclusion and Next Steps

The attack has encouraged a reassessment of security measures for high-profile individuals, focusing on the balance between robust protective frameworks and rigorous procedural checks. This scrutiny aims to prevent further risks and enhance operational integrity within the Secret Service.

“There must be accountability at the Secret Service for its historic failures that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump,” Comer said.”

The agency has committed to a comprehensive review and possible policy amendments. Ensuring the safety of individuals under their protection will require both technical upgrades and training improvements, addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by this incident.