Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe about the details of the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, expressing concerns about the agency's culture and staffing.

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) is under heightened scrutiny following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident has raised questions about the agency's culture, staffing, and ability to fulfill its mission.

Current and former USSS employees have raised concerns about understaffing within the agency despite a recent increase in its budget to $3 billion. USSS leaders are facing criticism for their handling of the assassination attempt and their efforts to address employee morale.

Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

Acting USSS Director Ronald Rowe Jr. described the assassination attempt as a "failure of the Secret Service." This admission has raised concerns about the agency's ability to protect high-profile figures and the need for accountability.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) confronted Rowe during a congressional hearing, questioning the agency's morale and its focus on "covering their a--." She cited an internal email from a counter sniper who expressed concerns about the agency's failure to protect the former president.

Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

Rowe responded by acknowledging the employee's concerns and describing himself as a "change agent" committed to addressing the agency's issues. However, he also expressed hurt over the employee's criticism.

Despite an increase in the agency's budget, staffing levels have declined in recent years. The Secret Service currently employs approximately 7,689 personnel, including agents, uniformed division officers, and support staff.

Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

The Secret Service faces challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified agents due to the demanding lifestyle and the need for extensive travel. Recruits must sign mobility agreements, which require them to accept assignments anywhere in the U.S. and overseas.

Prospective Secret Service agents must possess a college degree and pass background, polygraph, and medical examinations. They must be at least 21 years old and not older than 37 by the time of their employment offer.

Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

Before being assigned to a field office, accepted agents undergo eight months of intensive training, including criminal investigation and protection detail techniques. Refresher training is required every six weeks for agents on protection details with high-level protectees.

Marino, a former Secret Service agent, expressed concerns that agents may not be receiving adequate training due to resource constraints, particularly during campaign seasons. However, Rowe hinted at the challenging lifestyle faced by agents due to extensive travel and the need for flexibility.

Sen. Hawley Grills Acting Secret Service Director: 'Trying to Find Someone Who's Accountable Here'

The assassination attempt has sparked calls for accountability and reform within the Secret Service. Senator Hawley stressed the importance of finding someone responsible for the failures, while Senator Blackburn urged the agency to prioritize protecting the former president over self-serving concerns.