A recent report reveals significant lapses in the Secret Service’s protection of Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, urging major reforms.
A congressional task force has scrutinized the Secret Service following two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump during his campaign. The report highlights that during a campaign event in July, a gunman fired from a nearby building, injuring Trump and killing a bystander. A countersniper ended the threat, but the incident exposed severe security flaws. In September, another attempt was foiled when an agent spotted a gunman waiting at Trump’s golf course in Florida. The task force’s comprehensive review emphasizes the need to reassess the agency’s role and resources.
The report, spanning 180 pages, recommends scaling back the Secret Service’s responsibility for protecting foreign dignitaries, especially during busy campaign seasons. Currently, the agency’s protective duties extend to numerous foreign leaders during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a demand that stretches their resources thin. The task force suggests this responsibility could be transferred, allowing the Secret Service to focus on safeguarding U.S. leaders and presidential candidates.
In addition to protective duties, the Secret Service is involved in investigating non-protective, financial crimes. The task force argues that during election seasons, these investigations should be minimized to prioritize the protection of political figures. The July incident underscored this need as the agency’s focus seemed divided.
Another critical point raised in the report is whether the Secret Service should continue as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Since its move from the Treasury Department, the agency has struggled with leadership instability within DHS, affecting its budget advocacy. Lawmakers propose a discussion about reverting the Secret Service to an independent status to better serve its protective mission.
Security staffing shortages were another concern highlighted. On the day of the July attack, the Secret Service was stretched thin, also having to protect the First Lady at a concurrent event in close proximity. A lack of a counter-surveillance unit at Trump’s rally might have allowed the gunman to exploit security gaps. In contrast, such a unit was present at the First Lady’s indoor event, raising questions about resource allocation decisions.
The task force critically examined communication failures with local law enforcement. Poor coordination contributed to the July incident, as law enforcement and the Secret Service had differing views on their roles. The report calls for the Secret Service to take full responsibility for securing event sites and clarifying communication protocols to prevent future lapses.
The task force’s findings shed light on serious challenges facing the Secret Service. Proposed changes aim to refocus the agency on its primary mission of protecting U.S. leaders amidst growing demands.
Source: News4jax
