An independent review of the first assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump highlighted the need for significant overhaul within the Secret Service. The review revealed that the agency had become bureaucratic, complacent, and static, despite evolving risks and technology. The Secret Service failed in its mission to protect Trump during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear and a spectator was killed before the gunman was shot by a Secret Service sniper.
The review, conducted by a bipartisan panel commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security, included recommendations such as overhead surveillance for outdoor events with presidential candidates, implementing situation reports when protected persons arrive at events, and ensuring at least one Secret Service officer is stationed with each state and local law enforcement agency at event communications hubs. The panel recommended that these changes be implemented by March 2025 and evaluated by October 2025.
The Secret Service’s own review of the shooting revealed failures in communication and equipment, such as officers not using the same radios as local authorities and a lack of expertise in monitoring drones at the event. Following the shooting, another incident occurred where a gunman successfully hid at a Trump golf course in Florida for nearly 12 hours.
The Secret Service has since implemented comprehensive changes to enhance communication capabilities, resourcing, and protective operations. These include the use of bullet-resistant shields at outdoor events and closer collaboration with local law enforcement officers. The agency is working towards addressing systemic and foundational issues to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future.
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