Five Secret Service agents were placed on administrative leave after the systemic failure that nearly led to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a July 13 rally in Butler Pennsylvania.
A possible disciplinary measure could be taken against one member of Trump’s personal protection detail, four members of the Pittsburgh Field Office including the special agents in charge. One of the agents was the event coordinator.
BREAKING: Multiple Secret Service agents put on leave during investigation into Trump assassination. pic.twitter.com/rolsPLGTCL
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 23, 2024
It is hard to imagine what someone would have done differently if they had intended to set up an opportunity for a Trump assassin. The Secret Service did not coordinate with local law enforcement. A counter-sniper squad was only assigned the day before, but they had no time to conduct their site survey. The building was within easy rifle range of the podium where Trump would be speaking, but not secured. Secret Service and local officials used different communication devices and there was not a consolidated command centre.
Kim Cheadle resigned as the head of the Secret Service after a brutal interview in which she was unable to or refused to answer even the most basic questions.
The Secret Service still seems to be incapable of carrying out its duties in a professional way; see I’m sorry, what? Secret Service Agent Left Post at Trump NC Event to Breastfeed.
Soon we’ll know if it is a true investigation or a coverup. The decision was taken far above the Pittsburgh Field Office to deny Trump adequate protection. If the Secret Service Headquarters in Washington doesn’t build a (figurative) pyramid of heads outside Secret Service headquarters, it’s a cover-up. Congress shouldn’t stand by.
