Staff Reports
A recent investigation into the July assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has revealed that the real culprits behind the security failures were the Secret Service, not local law enforcement. This shocking finding has set the stage for a robust discussion not just about accountability but about just how top-heavy federal agencies can contribute to chaos instead of protection.
During a house task force hearing, several officers from local law enforcement took the stand to shed light on the events that unfolded that fateful day. Not surprisingly, the narrative painted by the local officers highlighted a critical point: they were prepared and capable, yet they were let down by the federal agency tasked with protecting the most important individual at the rally. It seems that the Secret Service’s lapses have become an excuse for the pattern of ineptitude that seems to plague specific portions of the federal bureaucracy.
Why were counter snipers there?
A “threat” the USSS Intelligence Advance Agent, the Lead Advance Agent, the Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge all WERE NOT TOLD about
The FBI did not respond to an intel request for Butler before the rally
USSS Site Counterpart found out… pic.twitter.com/ljnSoW5RrK
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) September 25, 2024
Task Force Chairman Mike Kelly emphasized the palpable negligence from the Secret Service regarding their planning and communication, which he claimed not only put Trump in danger but also endangered local officers who were doing their jobs under less than ideal circumstances. Kelly’s concerns highlighted that the federal agency either underestimated the potential risks or overestimated their own capabilities—either option making for a pretty disastrous combination.
Local officials confirmed they mobilized an impressive force—44 officers—significantly more than what the Secret Service had requested. But when it came to the specifics of security measures, things fell apart. A local police sergeant pointed out that the Secret Service never mentioned a vital piece of the security puzzle: deploying a sniper team to oversee the rally from above. Ironically, it was left to local cops to take notice of suspicious movements in the crowd, a task that, one would think, would be more under the umbrella of a well-funded federal agency sworn to protect US presidents.
As if the whole scenario wasn’t absurd enough, another officer testified that their on-the-ground instincts and cautious assessments were crucial in detecting potential threats that could have devolved into a much messier situation had they not acted in time. Instead of their decent efforts being recognized, they are left countering the incompetence of an agency that is supposed to be setting the gold standard in security.
Adding an extra layer to the absurdity is the sheer fact that this task force, established by a unanimous Congress to investigate these failures, is split between a Republican-controlled majority and a minority of Democrats. While the task force hints at bipartisanship, one can’t help but wonder if anything short of a miracle would come out of this endeavor. The bottom line is clear: when it comes to protecting national leaders, one would hope that the only shots fired would be from responsible protectors, not from an unprepared secret service agency messing up the basics of their jobs.
