According to media reports, the American secret service is suspending agents in connection with the investigation into the Trump assassinations
(MENAFN) The U.S. Secret Service has reportedly suspended several agents, including a regional director, amid an investigation into a serious security breach that nearly led to the death of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump last month. The incident occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, when an assailant fired shots from the roof of a nearby building. Although Trump narrowly escaped injury by turning his head away at the last moment, the attack tragically resulted in the death of one bystander and two others seriously injured.
On Friday, CBS News reported that the Secret Service had placed several agents on leave, including the head of the Pittsburgh field office. The decision follows an ongoing review of the agency’s security measures at Trump’s event. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi did not confirm or deny the suspensions, but said the “mission assurance review” is ongoing.
The investigation has also drawn the attention of lawmakers. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri wrote a letter to acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe claiming that a whistleblower had provided information that contradicted Rowe’s sworn testimony before Congress. According to Hawley, the whistleblower claims that officials at Secret Service headquarters prevented agents from requesting additional security for the event by effectively denying them through unofficial channels. This contradicts Rowe’s previous claim that no security was withheld.
Hawley criticized the agency’s response and demanded an explanation for the apparent discrepancy between the whistleblower’s report and Rowe’s testimony, saying that suspending some agents may not be enough to reflect the severity of the situation.
The shooting involved 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who managed to climb to the roof of a building overlooking the rally and fired at least eight shots before being subdued by a Secret Service sniper. The Secret Service and FBI continue to investigate the security breach that allowed the attack to take place.
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