Secret Service outlines failures leading to Trump attack on July 13

Washington — An internal assessment by the Secret Service has revealed significant shortcomings in the agency’s response during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on July 13. The findings were shared by Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, who indicated that the review is in its final stages.

Rowe expressed the need for a “paradigm shift” in the way protective operations are conducted, emphasizing that the evolving threat landscape necessitates this change. He informed reporters that the review highlighted multiple communication failures between the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies present at the event.

The timeline leading up to the shooting incident was outlined by Rowe, who noted that gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired on the rally, injuring Trump and two others, and fatally shooting a bystander. According to Rowe, the Secret Service failed to provide clear guidance to local and state law enforcement partners, which created confusion during the tense moments of the incident.

Furthermore, Rowe pointed out that there were “communications deficiencies” at the site, particularly an over-reliance on mobile devices. This reliance caused critical information to be isolated rather than shared promptly among agencies, creating further complications in response efforts.

The incidents at the rally underscore the significant challenges that agencies face in managing security during high-stakes events. Rowe described the need for comprehensive strategies that not only focus on immediate security measures but also on effective communication and coordination among all security personnel involved.

As more details emerge from the internal review, additional recommendations for enhancing protective protocols are expected. The Secret Service is working towards implementing changes that address the issues highlighted during the investigation.

The agency’s findings have broader implications for how protective operations are structured, especially in an age of rapidly changing threats. Rowe’s comments indicate a clear recognition within the agency that improvements are necessary to ensure the safety of public figures and attendees at large events.

In summary, the Secret Service’s ongoing review aims to address the factors that led to the recent attack, highlighting the necessity for enhanced communication and operational protocols. The agency remains under scrutiny as it works to strengthen its procedures and better prepare for future incidents.

This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.