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Former Secret Service agent Richard Staropoli has sharply criticized the investigations into suspects linked to two assassination attempts on Donald Trump, calling attention to systemic security failures and unanswered questions. Staropoli, a 25-year veteran of the agency, highlighted concerns about inadequate vetting of suspects and insufficient countermeasures during Trump’s public events.
Staropoli described the Secret Service as “broken,” citing a lack of coordination between federal and local law enforcement during the July 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. The shooter, Thomas Crooks, exploited unsecured rooftops and clear sightlines to the stage due to a failure to consolidate security plans across agencies. Despite prior FBI tips about Crooks’ mental health and firearms access, no proactive measures were taken. Staropoli noted similar issues in the second attempt involving Ryan Routh, who allegedly plotted for weeks to ambush Trump at his Florida golf course. Routh’s erratic behavior and prior FBI interactions raised red flags that were not thoroughly investigated.
Staropoli argued that the Secret Service’s focus on non-core duties—like financial crime investigations—diverted resources from protective operations. He also criticized the agency’s reliance on inexperienced personnel for high-stakes events, calling it a “recipe for disaster”. The House task force’s final report echoed these concerns, citing leadership gaps and recommending reduced protectee numbers to prioritize candidate safety.
The delayed trial of Routh—now set for September 2025—has further fueled skepticism about accountability. Despite overwhelming evidence, including a detailed note left by Routh, Staropoli emphasized that the slow judicial process and unanswered questions about suspects’ motives erode public trust. The Secret Service’s admission of “abject failure” in Butler and ongoing staffing challenges underscore the urgency of reforms to prevent future threats.
