For ads-free news, click here.
From CBS News: A Secret Service assessment of the failures that led to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on July 13 found that there were multiple communications issues with law enforcement at the site, the agency’s interim leader said Friday.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe detailed to reporters the findings of the agency’s “mission assurance review,” which he said is nearing its end.
“We need a shift in paradigm in how we conduct our protective operations,” he said. “The threat level is evolving and requires this paradigm shift.”
Rowe detailed the timeline leading up to when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the rally, wounding Trump and two others and killing one attendee.
He said the Secret Service didn’t provide clear guidance or direction to local and state law enforcement partners, who were on hand to assist the agency at the rally. Rowe also said there were “communications deficiencies” with officers at the site, including an “over reliance” on mobile devices that led to information being siloed.
Rowe admitted, “This was a failure on the part of the United States Secret Service.”
Steve Cortes called that the “understatement of the year.”
🚨Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. with the understatement of the year over the assassination attempt of President Trump:
“This was a failure on the part of the United States Secret Service.”
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) September 20, 2024
When asked why no agent checked the spot at the Trump golf course where a would-be assassin had a gun in the bushes, Rowe dodged, claiming, “The bottom line is the individual was detected.”
Watch:
Acting Secret Service Director Rowe does not directly answer when asked why no agent checked the spot at Trump’s golf course in WPB to ensure no one was there, given that spot has been a known vulnerability.
He says: The bottom line is the individual was detected. pic.twitter.com/n3HV9SzLeF
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 20, 2024
Rowe said, as a result of these failures, “it has become clear to me that a shift in paradigm is needed.”
A “shift in paradigm” is needed in how the U.S. Secret Service conducts protective operations, Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe, Jr. said, after the agency released a report on the Pennsylvania rally where an assassin took a shot at former Pres. Trump. https://t.co/XZWWdAwU5i pic.twitter.com/b15P2iOF8O
— ABC News (@ABC) September 20, 2024
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany reacted to Rowe’s announcement, saying, “I am sick of hearing Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe promise a “paradigm shift” in presidential protection! After TWO assassination attempts, President Trump does not have time to wait for a “paradigm shift.” While rank and file Secret Service have done incredible work, there needs to be accountability — not promotions — among Secret Service LEADERSHIP and those who served at the highest ranks under Kimberly Cheatle.”
🚨 I am sick of hearing Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe promise a “paradigm shift” in presidential protection!
After TWO assassination attempts, President Trump does not have time to wait for a “paradigm shift.”
While rank and file Secret Service have done incredible… pic.twitter.com/xfNxl7vSi4
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) September 20, 2024
Rowe confirmed he hasn’t asked anyone to retire over the security failures.
Acting Secret Service Director Rowe: “I have not asked for anybody to retire” pic.twitter.com/oFAnQcbt5M
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 20, 2024
Below is a video of the entire press conference on Friday:
Secret Service identifies failures that preceded July 13 Trump assassination attempt. https://t.co/orioAOAKea
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 20, 2024
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
