Acting US Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe revealed that encrypted radio communications among agents on the day of the shooting were not recorded. This information came to light during a recent hearing where Rowe was questioned by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson.
Rowe explained that the agency did not document radio traffic from events occurring outside of Washington, DC, unless they involved presidential or vice presidential stops. This policy meant that crucial communications during critical incidents were not being preserved for future reference.
In response to the concerns raised by Sen. Johnson, Rowe announced that the Secret Service would be implementing a new protocol. Going forward, all radio communications, even those not directly related to the president or vice president, would be recorded for documentation purposes.
This decision marks a significant shift in the agency's practices and is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the Secret Service. By capturing all radio traffic, the agency hopes to improve its ability to review and analyze communications during various operations and events.
Rowe's commitment to recording all radio communications moving forward reflects the agency's dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to best practices in security and communication protocols. This change is expected to have a positive impact on the Secret Service's operations and overall effectiveness in protecting the nation's leaders and ensuring public safety.
