Lawmakers Question Security Failures After Trump Shooting Incident

On July 30, 2024, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate faced tough questions from lawmakers about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month.

During their testimony before a Senate panel, Rowe expressed his shame regarding the security failures that occurred on July 13, the day of the shooting. He mentioned how he personally visited the site after the incident to assess the security situation.

Rowe revealed that Trump’s security detail had no prior knowledge of an armed attacker on the roof. They were operating under the assumption that local law enforcement was handling a suspicious individual and only learned of the danger when shots rang out.

In a dramatic presentation, Rowe shared photos that illustrated where local snipers were supposed to be stationed, emphasizing the critical security lapses. Also, he noted that communication about the gunman was poor, with crucial information stuck in local channels.

Abbate provided additional details, stating that around 25 minutes before the shooting, the Secret Service was alerted about a suspicious person. He shared that video evidence showed the shooter climbing onto the roof shortly before being spotted by law enforcement.

Rowe concluded that better cellular capability on the day of the attack could have allowed for quicker reactions, suggesting that they could have intervened or established a drone surveillance system sooner.

As the investigation continues, Abbate mentioned they are focusing on understanding the shooter’s motive and whether he acted alone. They have also found a social media account connected to the shooter that includes remarks reflecting extreme political views.

Rowe is committed to making immediate changes to avoid future security failures. He indicated they will expand the use of aerial surveillance and improve communication with local law enforcement.

Amid the questioning, Senators from both parties emphasized the need for accountability, with some calling for immediate action against those responsible for lapses in security.

There was a heated exchange between Senator Josh Hawley and Rowe about why personnel involved in the incident had not faced disciplinary action yet. Rowe insisted on a careful review of the facts before taking any action.

Senator John Kennedy pressed Abbate on whether Trump was indeed hit by a bullet, to which Abbate confirmed without doubt that the former president was injured by gunfire.