Criticism of the Secret Service after the Trump assassination attempt in July was already sharp. Now a report from the US Senate documents numerous glitches, from unclear chains of command to problems with radio communications.
More than two months after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign appearance in Pennsylvania, the US Senate has accused the Secret Service of negligence. There were “foreseeable and avoidable failures” at all levels that led directly to the events surrounding the attempted attack in July.
This emerges from a non-partisan investigation report that has now been presented. “The consequences of these failures have been devastating,” said Senator Gary Peters, the Democratic chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
No clear chain of command between security authorities
Trump was hit in the ear and injured by a bullet during a campaign appearance in the city of Butler, Pennsylvania, in mid-July. One visitor to the event died and two others were injured. The suspect fired the shots from a building roof overlooking the stage before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.
The Secret Service had been notified about a person on the roof of the building about two minutes before the shooting. The report concluded that there was no clear chain of command between the Secret Service and other security agencies and no plan for surveillance of the building the shooter climbed.
Numerous technical problems
Due to separate radio channels, there were communication breakdowns and information was not passed on. In addition, an inexperienced drone pilot had to struggle with technical problems with his equipment.
Just a few days ago, the Secret Service published its own inventory. There will also be a hearing in the House of Representatives on the incidents soon. With each investigation, new details have emerged that indicate massive security gaps in the protection of the ex-president. “This was the result of multiple human errors by the Secret Service,” said Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the top Republican on the committee.
Also Assassination attempt in Florida is being investigated
The Senate panel will also investigate the Trump assassination attempt, in which the Secret Service arrested a suspect who planned to kill the presidential candidate at a golf course in Florida. The senators urged the Secret Service to change its communication processes and better define responsibilities. Congress should examine whether additional resources are necessary. However, Democrats and Republicans disagree over whether the Secret Service should receive more money after its mishaps.
