GOP Sen. Josh Hawley’s report released Monday detailed the failures of the Secret Service in connection with the first assassination attempt against former President Trump in July, which Hawley found was nearly successful due to a lack of prevention by the agency. The report outlines a longstanding pattern of negligence and incompetence within the Secret Service, leading to a breakdown in presidential security reminiscent of past assassination attempts on other presidents. Hawley found that the agencies involved have evaded accountability and misled the public, prompting him to conduct his own investigation and gather information from whistleblowers.
Whistleblowers shared valuable information with Hawley, revealing that the Secret Service’s Counter Surveillance Division failed to perform a threat assessment of the Butler site and did not use drone technology despite the would-be assassin surveying the area with a drone. The report also pointed out the refusal of additional security resources at the rally site, using poorly trained personnel to fill in for Secret Service agents, including individuals with questionable competency levels. The lead agent responsible for the rally allegedly failed a key examination during training, showing a lack of readiness for the job.
The report also shed light on the inadequate security measures at the hospital where Trump received treatment after the shooting, revealing further security lapses within the agency. The director of the Secret Service at the time of the rally resigned under pressure from congressional lawmakers, and additional personnel were placed on leave following the failed assassination attempt. Trump, who was shot in the ear during the incident, defiantly raised his arm as agents led him away. Despite the attack, he continued with his planned events and even attended the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Just one day after the release of Hawley’s report, Trump faced another attempted assassination while golfing in Florida. Secret Service agents stopped an assailant armed with an AK-47, leading to the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh. Routh received charges related to firearm possession and his criminal record indicated previous run-ins with law enforcement. Trump attributed the attack to the inflammatory rhetoric of President Biden and Vice President Harris, accusing them of inciting violence against him and blaming Democrats for promoting division and destruction within the country.
Trump expressed concern over being targeted due to the rhetoric of his political opponents, emphasizing the need to save the country from internal threats. He criticized Biden and Harris for labeling him as a danger to democracy while their actions led to violence against him. Trump accused the current administration of undermining unity and called them the real threat to the nation. Despite the attempts on his life, he remained determined to continue his efforts to protect the country and fight against those he viewed as actively working to tear it down from within.
