Acting Director of the Secret Service Ronald L. Rowe Jr. admitted that the July attempt on former President Trump’s life was a significant USSS failure.
Breitbart reported that in a press conference on Friday, Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. of the United States Secret Service (USSS) addressed the media following the unsettling incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In July, an assassination attempt targeted former President Donald Trump, prompting a thorough internal review by the agency charged with his protection.
Rowe Jr. outlined that the USSS has nearly completed its mission assurance review. The incident marked a troubling oversight in security protocols, identifying the breach as an unequivocal failure of the Service.
The review’s findings, which are now prompting a phase of accountability, raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
The internal investigation by the USSS has drawn the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Office of Integrity to further probe the circumstances leading up to the attempt. Rowe Jr. emphasized the evolving nature of threats which necessitate a significant shift in how protective operations are conducted.
Investigations uncovered several communication deficiencies between law enforcement personnel at the Butler site during the incident.
This communication breakdown was attributed to the broader failures that allowed the assassination attempt to occur. Rowe Jr. stated that these findings demonstrate a clear need for a paradigm shift within the USSS’s approach to their duties.
The USSS acknowledged an urgent need for more personnel, enhanced technical assets, and upgraded equipment to better meet their protective mandates.
This includes addressing specific hazards like the AGR building in Butler, which was identified as a problematic location during the review.
During the press conference, it was noted that despite the necessity for stringent internal discipline following the review’s findings, federal regulations preclude extensive public discussion of specific disciplinary actions. Rowe Jr., however, reassured the public of the ongoing reforms the USSS is implementing in response.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed frustration with the USSS’s lack of cooperation with Florida’s investigation into a second assassination attempt on Trump in West Palm Beach.
His remarks on "The Ingraham Angle" highlighted ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities concerning the former president's security.
Rowe Jr. reiterated the USSS’s primary responsibility in crafting thorough site plans that adhere to their stringent protective standards. He acknowledged that the lapse in Butler represented a failure to meet these standards and stressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding its protectees rigorously.
He praised the dedication of USSS staff, despite the failures, highlighting their professionalism and commitment to bettering their protective measures in the face of evolving threats.
Rowe Jr. conveyed his steadfast belief in the agency’s ability to rise to these challenging circumstances and improve their operational integrity.
The agency's recognition of deficiencies and subsequent strides towards rectification represent a critical moment in its storied history, as it adapts to the complexities of modern protective services. Ultimately, the assurance provided by the USSS in safeguarding its charge will be judged on its future ability to prevent such breaches, making every step towards enhancement a crucial one.