Senator Josh Hawley dropped a bombshell the day after the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, releasing a whistleblower report that sheds new light on critical lapses within the Secret Service.
The report, focusing on the first attempt on Trump’s life, reveals a series of failures that the public hadn't been made aware of until now. This adds a whole new layer to the concerns about how effectively the former president is being protected.
One of the more shocking findings in Hawley’s report is that Secret Service intelligence units were absent from Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. These units, which are supposed to work closely with state and local law enforcement, are essential for dealing with potential threats.
Their absence raises serious questions about the level of security being provided for such a high-profile figure, especially in an environment as charged as a political rally. What were they thinking? How could such a crucial part of the protection team not be present?
🚨🚨 NEW - Following the latest assassination attempt on @realDonaldTrump, I’m releasing a comprehensive Whistleblower Report on the multiple failures of Secret Service & DHS - including new allegations & numerous unanswered questions due to USSS stonewalling pic.twitter.com/Rxcim9N05U
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) September 16, 2024
The problems didn’t stop there. According to the Missouri senator’s report, even the hospital where Trump was treated following the attempt lacked sufficient security measures. In fact, the report highlights that the site agent responsible for overseeing security at the hospital couldn't even answer basic questions about the protocols in place.
Imagine being in charge of protecting a former president and not having the answers to basic safety procedures—that’s not just an oversight; it's negligence.
What really adds fuel to the fire is the unresolved question of who made the decision to deny countersniper coverage to the rooftop from which the shooter fired. Neither the Secret Service nor the Department of Homeland Security provided any explanation.
In fact, they wouldn’t even name the lead agent responsible for overseeing security at the rally. Why all the secrecy? The public deserves answers, especially when it comes to the safety of a former president.
Hawley, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is now pushing for more accountability. He personally visited the rally site in Butler and shared his findings with the House Task Force investigating the assassination attempt. This isn't just about pointing fingers; it's about ensuring that such catastrophic failures never happen again.