Marking the anniversary of last year’s near-fatal shooting at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump, the U.S. Secret Service took swift action on July 10 to address critical security failures within their ranks. Six agents were suspended without pay for 10 to 42 days without pay and removed from frontline duties upon return (The New York Post + The Guardian + Politico).
On July 13, 2024 at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from an unsecure rooftop using an AR-15-style rifle, striking multiple shots that hit Donald Trump grazing his ear, killed volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, wounded multiple others before being neutralized by Secret Service sharpshooters (Bond and Turgeon respectively). These were eventually neutralized by Secret Service sharpshooters (CBS News/Wikipedia/The Daily Beast).
As it would affect both federal and congressional circles, the idea that an unprotected president or former president might be targeted raised many eyebrows.
Disciplinary Actions and Internal Review Matt Quinn, the Deputy Director, highlighted their decision to discipline rather than fire employees as being one of key root causes in this crisis.. For additional coverage please check The New York Post or The Guardian
Reports indicate that among those disciplined are members of a counter-sniper team and personnel from Pittsburgh Field Office; among them Myosoty Perez who was seen protecting Donald Trump during the attack as reported by CBS News and Politico (and who later appeared on New York Post and New Republic).
An independent House report had criticised the Secret Service for insufficient leadership, poor field communications and assigning inexperienced agents to advance detail roles (AP News/The Guardian/Polito).
Senate Investigation revealed multiple missed warning signs; local law enforcement had seen the gunman up on the roof up to 20 minutes prior to shooting but failed to intervene effectively, according to reports by The Australian, The Daily Beast and Wikipedia (among other publications).
Leadership Change and Ongoing Reforms
This incident precipitated Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation, following congressional hearings where she admitted the agency’s “nationally significant operational failure”, on July 23rd 2024 (Polito, Wikipedia and Axios all have +10 scores for her).
Ronald L. Rowe Jr. assumed the reins as acting Director under mounting pressure to reform agency protocols and has taken immediate steps toward this end. This page can be found here on Wikipedia +1
Since 2016, the Secret Service has implemented several reform measures, such as the deployment of military-grade drones and mobile command modules for better agency coordination as well as new communication tools with local law enforcement, to name just a few. YouTube + The Guardian + The Times.
In Florida later that year, an apparent assassination attempt was detected early and foiled–largely attributable to improved security measures (AP News +5, The Guardian +5 and The Times both +5). Public and Political Reactions.
Reactions have been mixed; while some lawmakers, such as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (D-New York), have called the suspensions “absolute minimum”, The New York Post, Axios and The Times all reported on these events with differing viewpoints.
Secret Service officials emphasize that punitive action alone cannot address institutional deficiencies. Helen Comperatore, widow of victim Corey Comperatore, criticised their response as being indefensible; demanding comprehensive accountability by way of WikipeDIA +7 in New York Post +7.
President Trump commemorated this date by speaking about it as “rare bad day” for the Secret Service, while at the same time commending counter-snipers who ultimately saved his life while criticizing any planning errors that led to it, according to The New York Post.
Looking Forward
The agency’s long-term recovery plan involves expanding its ranks, hiring a chief wellness officer, and moving toward a proactive security model rather than reactive ones. (Wikipedia + 1 = +1)
Congress and DHS oversight remains active as the Secret Service works to restore public trust and ensure high-profile protections are never again compromised.