US Secret Service Chief Blames Trump Security Lapse on Local Police

US Secret Service Chief Blames Trump Security Lapse on Local Police

WASHINGTON: The new acting director of the US Secret Service, Ronald Rowe, expressed his shame over a security breach at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt. In his testimony before two Senate committees, Rowe attributed the lapse to local law enforcement’s failure to secure the rally site adequately. He acknowledged the Secret Service’s mistake in assuming that local authorities would cover the building from which the shooter, Thomas Crooks, fired an AR-15-style rifle. The incident, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries, prompted the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Senators criticized the agency for delegating critical security responsibilities, with Rowe conceding that the Secret Service bears ultimate responsibility. Rowe outlined measures to prevent future lapses, amidst rising concerns about political violence. FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate revealed that Crooks had a history of posting extremist content online, indicating potential motives for the attack. The lack of communication between local police and Secret Service agents, as well as technical issues with drone detection, were highlighted as factors contributing to the security failure.