Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

A whistleblower has accused the Secret Service of cutting staffing to the Counter Surveillance Division, which led to the threat assessment team failing to perform its typical duties prior to the Butler, Pennsylvania rally where former President Trump narrowly escaped assassination.

The Secret Service's alleged complacency and lack of preparedness played a significant role in the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to a bombshell report released by Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley. The report, based on allegations from a whistleblower, reveals that Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. personally directed cuts to the Counter Surveillance Division (CSD), the unit responsible for assessing threats prior to events.

As a result of the staffing reductions, the CSD failed to perform its evaluation prior to the fateful rally on July 13, which allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to enter the event undetected. The whistleblower alleges that if the CSD had been present, Crooks would have been apprehended in the parking lot after being spotted with a rangefinder.

Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

"This is significant because CSD's duties include evaluating potential security threats outside the security perimeter and mitigating those threats during the event," Hawley wrote in a letter to Rowe on Thursday.

The whistleblower also claims that Rowe's actions contributed to a culture of retaliation within the organization, where those who raised security concerns faced threats. Following an event with Trump at a golf tournament in August 2023, Secret Service personnel expressed concerns about the use of local law enforcement and lack of proper vetting, but were allegedly met with retaliation.

Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

"The whistleblower alleges that those who raised such concerns were retaliated against," Hawley said.

In addition to the allegations of negligence and retaliation, Hawley's report also raises concerns about the Secret Service's coordination with local law enforcement. Approximately 90 minutes passed between the time law enforcement officials first identified a suspicious person near the rally grounds and when Crooks was eventually apprehended.

Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

"This delay raises serious questions about the Secret Service's ability to respond effectively to threats," Hawley said.

The revelations in Hawley's report have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) described the Secret Service's actions as "disgraceful" and demanded a thorough investigation.

Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

"The Secret Service has a sacred duty to protect our leaders, and it's clear that they failed miserably in this case," Schumer said.

In response to the allegations, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency will respond to Hawley's requests through official channels.

Secret Service Cutbacks Led to Trump Assassination Attempt, Whistleblower Alleges

"We respect the Senator and the role of oversight and will respond to the request through official channels," Guglielmi said.

The assassination attempt on former President Trump has raised serious concerns about the security of our nation's leaders. The allegations of complacency, negligence, and retaliation within the Secret Service underscore the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.