An independent panel investigating the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally has faulted the Secret Service for poor communications and security failures that allowed the gunman to take shots at the former president. The 52-page report issued Thursday highlighted specific problems leading up to the July 13 rally in Butler, as well as deeper cultural issues within the agency.
The report recommended bringing in new, outside leadership and refocusing the agency on its protective mission. It emphasized the need for fundamental reform within the Secret Service to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The panel identified poor communications and a lack of planning for key buildings as critical security failures. It pointed out the failure to secure a building near the rally that had a clear line of sight to where Trump was speaking, as well as communication problems between the Secret Service and local law enforcement.
The report also delved into cultural issues within the agency, highlighting a culture of doing 'more with less' and a failure to understand the unique risks facing Trump. The panel recommended having a unified command post at large events, overhead surveillance for outdoor events, and more training on how to protect individuals in dangerous scenarios.
Recommendations for Reform
The panel called for new, outside leadership within the Secret Service and a renewed focus on its core protective mission. It expressed skepticism about the agency's current investigative functions, emphasizing the need for a paramount focus on protection, particularly in light of the suboptimal state of the agency's protective mission.
The panel members included former law enforcement officials from national and state government, bringing a wealth of experience to their assessment of the Secret Service's performance in the Trump assassination attempt.
