An independent evaluation of the assassination attempt on former President Trump on July 13 has now provided a critical assessment of the Secret Service, stating that the incident “reveal[s] deep flaws” in the agency and urging the establishment of new leadership for the nation’s protective service.
The report, which was the first external evaluation of the shooting at the Butler, Pa., rally that resulted in the death of one rally attendee, the piercing of Trump’s ear, and the injury of two others, was authored by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Although the Secret Service had previously conducted an internal evaluation that yielded similar conclusions regarding the planning prior to the rally, the report released on Thursday examined the organization more comprehensively and frequently criticized its internal culture.
After a disastrous appearance before Congress in which she refused to address a number of questions lawmakers had about the attack, Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service’s director at the time of the assassination attempt, resigned.
She has since been succeeded by Ronald Rowe, her deputy, who is also a seasoned Secret Service leader.
The report discovered that the Secret Service has experienced a “lack of cohesion” and inadequate communication with the state and local law enforcement agencies with which it collaborates in Butler and other locations as it prepares for events.
A technical challenge that Rowe has previously stated would not be readily resolved was present in Butler, which included a failure to ensure that all parties were on the same communications system.
On Thursday, Rowe also detailed the actions he took in response to the incident and the modifications that were made both before and after their internal review.
“We are developing a comprehensive plan aimed at driving a fundamental transformation within the Secret Service to ensure we are appropriately configured to execute our dual integrated mission of protection and complex investigations. This plan focuses on increasing and retaining the agency’s personnel, modernizing our technology, and building a training plan that is sustainable now and into the future,” he stated
“We acknowledge that July 13 did not occur because of a lack of resources, however, our enhanced protective model implemented after July 13 requires additional people, equipment, and asset capabilities. The agency is also working with Congress to increase the agency’s budget so that we can make this paradigm shift a reality.” Rowe concluded.
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