The U.S. Secret Service recently published its investigative report on the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on July 13, which highlighted certain agents’ actions and behaviors that may warrant disciplinary action. The investigation, known as a Mission Assurance Inquiry, identified several instances of behaviors by multiple employees that require corrective counseling and possible disciplinary measures. The agency emphasized that all Secret Service employees are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct when protecting individuals who trust them with their safety and the safety of their families.
The internal review found communication deficiencies, unclear understanding of duties among some personnel, and planning failures leading up to and during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the gunman attempted to kill Trump. The report acknowledged that some Homeland Security Investigations personnel assisting the Secret Service felt inadequately prepared due to insufficient instruction, leading to various security issues during the event. The agency also failed to have adequate command and control over radio communications for the rally, and some agents did not relay critical information effectively, resulting in a lack of coordination and response during the incident.
The report highlighted the failure of the Secret Service on July 13, where the gunman killed one rally attendee and critically wounded two others in addition to the attempt on Trump’s life. The investigation found that Secret Service planning for the rally lacked detail, cohesion, and a clear understanding of chain of command, contributing to the lack of coordination and response during the event. Additionally, the large crowd of attendees and the high number of medical assistance requests further strained security resources and coordination efforts during the rally.
To address the shortcomings identified in the investigation, the Secret Service outlined several operational, policy, and organizational changes that would enhance security protocols and response capabilities in the future. These include providing higher levels of protection to Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, increased staffing of agents assigned to Trump’s detail, expanded use of unmanned aerial systems and counter unmanned aerial systems, radio fixes, agreements with federal partners for additional personnel and assets, and enhancements in technical countermeasures to improve security at Secret Service-protected events.
The agency expressed its commitment to implementing these changes and incorporating recommendations from various entities to enhance its security protocols and restore trust in its protective mission. Congress and oversight committees continue to investigate the events of July 13 and are closely monitoring the Secret Service’s response to the assassination attempt. The Mission Assurance Inquiry report concluded with a pledge to work diligently to regain the trust placed in the agency by the people they protect, Congress, and the American public.
