Secret Service Admits to Rejecting Security Requests for Trump’s Rally
Background
On July 13, an assassination attempt was made on former President Trump’s life during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident left Trump wounded, one rallygoer killed, and two others injured. In the aftermath, the Secret Service initially denied rejecting requests to increase security around Trump. However, the agency later acknowledged that it had turned back some requests.
Secret Service’s Reversal
The Secret Service’s chief spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, released a statement late Saturday, saying that the agency had indeed rejected some requests to increase security around Trump. Guglielmi stated that the agency executes a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs. In some cases, the agency relies on state and local law enforcement departments to provide specialized functions or identify alternatives to reduce public exposure of the protectee.
Congressional Hearing
The Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, is expected to appear before lawmakers in a congressional hearing on Monday. Lawmakers have been expressing anger over security lapses that allowed the 20-year-old gunman to climb onto the roof of a nearby building and fire his weapon. Trump was wounded in the right ear, one rallygoer was killed, and two others were injured.
Guglielmi’s Statement
Guglielmi’s statement said, "We execute a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs. We will rely on state and local law enforcement departments in some cases where specialized Secret Service units are unavailable. In some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided, the agency made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee."
Trump’s Response
Trump has questioned the security lapses and how the gunman was able to access the roof of the building. He said, "How did somebody get on that roof? And why wasn’t he reported? Because people saw that he was on the roof. So you would’ve thought someone would’ve done something about it."
Investigations
The Homeland Security Department and congressional committee are investigating the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said that what happened was a "failure." Several lawmakers have called on Cheatle to resign or be fired. Cheatle, however, retains the support of Democratic President Joe Biden and Mayorkas.
Conclusion
The Secret Service’s admission to rejecting security requests for Trump’s rally has raised concerns over the agency’s ability to protect its protectees. The incident has sparked a heated debate over security lapses and accountability. The ongoing investigations and congressional hearings will likely shed more light on the events surrounding the assassination attempt.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the assassination attempt on Trump’s life?
A: A 20-year-old gunman climbed onto the roof of a nearby building and fired his weapon during Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was wounded in the right ear, one rallygoer was killed, and two others were injured.
Q: Did the Secret Service deny rejecting security requests for Trump’s rally?
A: Initially, yes. The Secret Service’s chief spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, denied rejecting such requests. However, the agency later admitted that it had turned back some requests.
Q: What is the Secret Service’s response to the incident?
A: The agency’s chief spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, stated that the agency executes a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs. In some cases, the agency relies on state and local law enforcement departments to provide specialized functions or identify alternatives to reduce public exposure of the protectee.
Q: Who is investigating the incident?
A: The Homeland Security Department and congressional committee are investigating the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said that what happened was a "failure."
Author: fortune.com
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