Secret Service Moves Vehicle: What Really Happened During January 6 Riot?

Newly unredacted documents reveal crucial details of the Secret Service’s mishandling of Vice President Mike Pence’s extraction vehicle during the January 6 Capitol riot.

At a Glance

Secret Service failures foreshadowed by redacted passages in an after-action report.
Pence’s extraction vehicle moved without permission, leaving him stranded.
Signals dropped, and no explosives detection team deployed during Kamala Harris’s proximity to a live pipe bomb.
Secret Service received intelligence warnings but didn’t adapt its security plan.
Agents lost contact due to radio issues, leading to communication breakdowns.

Unredacted Document Revelations

Newly publicized documents uncover critical information about the Secret Service’s handling of Vice President Mike Pence’s extraction during the January 6 Capitol riot. Reports detail how Pence’s escape vehicle, initially in place to ensure his protection, was moved without authorization amidst the chaos. This revelation adds yet another layer to the scrutiny of the Secret Service’s actions and the decisions made to ensure the security of key figures during one of the nation’s most tumultuous times.

Pence’s extraction vehicle left its position due to communication failures and mismanagement. According to an after-action report, the Secret Service received numerous warnings and intelligence that suggested potential violence but failed to adapt their security protocols accordingly. These lapses almost left Pence unprotected as rioters closed in.

The report also exposed numerous fundamental failures, including radio communication issues that led to confusion and the unauthorized movement of Pence’s extraction vehicle. As a result, Pence found himself stranded at the Capitol for nearly 30 minutes, under the continual threat of the violent mob breaking through security perimeters.

Security Details and Failures

The Secret Service’s operational issues were compounded by signal drops and a lack of deployment of an explosives detection team despite Vice President Kamala Harris’s proximity to a live pipe bomb. The unredacted passages from the report highlight that agents lost contact at crucial moments during the riot. This communication failure critically endangered both Pence and Harris.

“The transportation agent reportedly said making that quick decision to move the motorcade was the ‘hardest call I’ve had to make.'”

In addition, the Secret Service had received intelligence from the FBI and U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service ahead of January 6, warning of potential for civil unrest from heavily armed individuals. Despite these warnings, the security plan remained unaltered, failing to accommodate the evolving threat landscape.

The House select committee revealed on Thursday that Jan. 6 rioters came within 40 feet of former Vice President Mike Pence during the Capitol insurrection as Pence was being escorted to a safer location.https://t.co/bacD9A3YCz pic.twitter.com/FjjFKrjVCF

— NPR (@NPR) June 16, 2022

Vice President Pence’s Determined Stand

Reports also indicate that Vice President Mike Pence refused to get into the Secret Service vehicle multiple times during the January 6 Capitol riot. His refusal was driven by a clear understanding of the gravity of the situation and the message it would convey if he were seen fleeing. “I’m not getting in that car, Tim,” Pence told his lead security agent, Tim Giebels. “I trust you, Tim, but you’re not driving the car. If I get in that vehicle, you guys are taking off. I’m not getting in the car.”

“[Pence] uttered what I think are the six most chilling words of this entire thing I’ve seen so far: ‘I’m not getting in that car,'” – Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin

Pence’s insistence on staying at the Capitol was pivotal as he waited for the certification of the election results. His decision to remain was not taken lightly; it underscored his constitutional commitment and determination to see the process through. The mob breached the Capitol and came within 40 feet of Pence and his security detail.

In Retrospect and Moving Forward

Secret Service management received the comprehensive after-action report in April, giving them over two months to address ongoing security issues. However, their response in late June still rejected several recommendations. The report underscores the necessity of revising standard security protocols and ensuring sufficient preparation for intelligence warnings of potential violence in the future.

“The Secret Service received intelligence from the FBI and U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service ahead of Jan. 6, 2021, warning that there was a ‘high potential for civil unrest’ from individuals who were expected to be ‘heavily armed.'” – Just The News

The failures highlighted by the unredacted documents serve as a critical lesson for the future. Upholding the safety of our nation’s leaders during crises remains paramount. Strengthening communication protocols, adapting to intelligence promptly, and ensuring constant vigilance are essential steps moving forward.