The US Secret Service on Friday outlined a series of security lapses revealed by its investigation into the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump during a rally in July. Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to open fire from a nearby rooftop at the outdoor event hosted by Republican election candidate Trump, who narrowly avoided death and sustained an injury to his right ear.
The review "uncovered shortcomings in the advanced planning and its execution by Secret Service personnel," Acting Director Ronald Rowe stated during a press conference. "While certain members of the advance team were highly diligent, there was a sense of complacency among others that resulted in a violation of security procedures." Among the identified failures were inadequate communication with local law enforcement, an "excessive dependence" on mobile devices "leading to information being compartmentalized" and issues with line of sight, which "were recognized but not adequately addressed."
"At around 18:10 local time, via a phone call, the Secret Service security room notified the countersniper response agent about an individual on the roof of the AGR building," Rowe explained. "This crucial piece of information was not communicated over the Secret Service radio network." Two attendees at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania were wounded by gunfire, and a third, 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, tragically died as a result. Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service personnel. Following the incident, Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, and several additional Secret Service agents have been placed on leave.
