During Tuesday’s hearing, Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe raised concerns about the security failure at the July 13 rally where Donald Trump was targeted by a shooter. Rowe questioned why local law enforcement, specifically the counter sniper team, did not spot the assailant on the roof from their vantage point in a nearby building.
Rowe presented images to lawmakers illustrating the view that the local law enforcement team should have had of the shooter on the roof. He expressed bewilderment at the lack of surveillance on the roofline, emphasizing the importance of thorough security coverage in such situations.
While acknowledging the oversight by local law enforcement, Rowe emphasized that the primary responsibility for security lay with the Secret Service. He admitted that the failure to detect the shooter was a significant lapse on the part of the agency.
Rowe commended the swift and decisive action taken by the Secret Service sniper who neutralized the threat posed by the assailant. He praised the sniper for his courage, skill, and ability to respond effectively under immense pressure, highlighting the challenging nature of the shot he had to take.
