Secret Service Under Fire for Security Failures at Trump Rally Shooting, Vows to 'Step Up Their Game'

The U.S. Secret Service has responded to criticism over its handling of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month, promising to enhance communication and improve its security protocols. Law enforcement officials have raised concerns about a lack of coordination and communication before the shooting, which allowed the gunman to access a roof with a clear line of sight to Trump.

The U.S. Secret Service has issued a statement addressing the security failures that occurred during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month. The agency has vowed to conduct a thorough review of the incident and take steps to prevent similar failures in the future.

On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old male, gained access to a roof of a building overlooking the Butler Farm Show, where Trump was scheduled to speak. Crooks fired eight rounds from an AR-15 rifle, grazing Trump's ear and killing one spectator, Corey Compartore. Two others were also injured in the shooting. Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.

Secret Service Under Fire for Security Failures at Trump Rally Shooting, Vows to 'Step Up Their Game'

Following the shooting, several media reports emerged highlighting a lack of communication between law enforcement agencies involved in securing the event. A police officer on a local tactical team assigned to the rally stated that there was no contact between his team and the U.S. Secret Service before Trump took the stage.

"We were supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service members whenever they arrived," said Jason Woods, the Beaver County team's lead sharpshooter. "That never happened."

Secret Service Under Fire for Security Failures at Trump Rally Shooting, Vows to 'Step Up Their Game'

Woods told ABC News that the lack of communication was likely a critical factor in the security failure that allowed Crooks to evade detection and carry out the attack. He noted that his team had spotted Crooks hours before the shooting and reported his suspicious presence to command, but the gunman was still able to position himself on the roof of the building.

"We had no communication," said Woods. "We were in position hours before Trump took the stage, but our first communication with the Secret Service was not until after the shooting. By then, it was too late."

Secret Service Under Fire for Security Failures at Trump Rally Shooting, Vows to 'Step Up Their Game'

In response to the criticism, the Secret Service has issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and pledging to enhance its communication and security protocols.

"As it relates to communications on that day, we are committed to better understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt of former President Trump to ensure that never happens again," the statement said. "That includes complete cooperation with Congress, the FBI, and other relevant investigations."

Secret Service Under Fire for Security Failures at Trump Rally Shooting, Vows to 'Step Up Their Game'

The Secret Service also stated that it has begun a review of the incident to identify any shortcomings and make necessary improvements.

"We will continue to assess all aspects of our protective mission and take appropriate steps to enhance our operations and capabilities," the statement said.

Several law enforcement and congressional investigations into the shooting are currently underway. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned in the wake of the incident.

The shooting has raised serious concerns about the security protocols for presidential candidates and former presidents. Critics argue that the lack of communication between law enforcement agencies and the inadequate security measures allowed the gunman to carry out the attack.

The Secret Service has vowed to "step up their game" and improve their security protocols to prevent similar failures in the future. However, the incident has highlighted the challenges of protecting high-profile individuals in an increasingly complex and dangerous security environment.