Secret Service Blasted for Failure to Prevent Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Republican Representative Tim Burchett calls for a thorough investigation into the second attempted assassination of Donald Trump, questioning the effectiveness of Secret Service protection measures and demanding increased security.

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) has vehemently criticized the Secret Service and other authorities for their failure to secure the area around former President Trump during a recent apparent assassination attempt on Sunday.

In an interview with Eric Shawn on "Fox News Live," Burchett expressed outrage over the incident, which occurred at Trump International Golf Club while the former president was playing golf. Authorities reported that the suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was approximately 300 to 500 yards from Trump when Secret Service agents opened fire.

Secret Service Blasted for Failure to Prevent Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Burchett demanded answers on how the suspect was able to get so close to Trump and revealed that other lawmakers are already demanding enhanced security measures. He questioned why there wasn't a drone monitoring the area where the former president was present.

"They are already calling now. And you got to ask yourself, why was there not a drone flying over wherever the president is? This is ridiculous," Burchett said.

Secret Service Blasted for Failure to Prevent Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

While acknowledging the heroism of the Secret Service agents who spotted and neutralized the suspect, Burchett expressed concern about the overall leadership and effectiveness of the agency.

"The problem is you've got a Secret Service, at least in my opinion, and in the public's eye, that is compromised and that it lacks in leadership. And you've got great agents on the ground, obviously, one who took that shot. But why in the world would anybody be anywhere near the perimeter of this? This line of sight that we talk about is just beyond me. So we've got to get some answers," Burchett said.

Secret Service Blasted for Failure to Prevent Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

He emphasized the significance of protecting former presidents and denounced the insufficient security surrounding Trump.

"There is no way in hell that somebody should have been that close to President Trump with an AK Steel or AK-47 or whatever it was with a scope."

Secret Service Blasted for Failure to Prevent Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Burchett dismissed Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw's statement that security was reduced because Trump is no longer the sitting president. He argued that the Sheriff's office had the authority and responsibility to close off the area and increase security.

Burchett, a member of the House Oversight Committee, previously questioned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on the first attempted assassination of Trump in July. He expressed concern that the agency is not adequately addressing security challenges.

"I think they need to quit with the DEI hires and start putting qualified people out there in decision-making positions instead of what they're doing right now," Burchett said, referring to the Secret Service's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

Burchett's statements reflect the growing concerns raised by lawmakers and the public about the effectiveness of security measures surrounding former President Trump. The incident has prompted demands for a thorough investigation and increased security protocols to ensure the safety of former presidents.