Secret Service Commits to Enhancements After Panel Concludes on Trump Assassination Attempts

WASHINGTON — Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. outlined significant changes to his agency on Thursday, following two assassination attempts against Donald Trump earlier this year. Rowe’s testimony came before a bipartisan congressional task force, which recently concluded its investigation into the issues surrounding these incidents.

During the hearing, members unanimously voted to release the task force’s final report. However, a heated exchange between Rowe and Texas Congressman Pat Fallon highlighted tensions surrounding the agency’s performance. The Secret Service has faced severe criticism following a July shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman injured Trump and killed one other person before being shot dead by police.

A subsequent attempt on Trump’s life occurred near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect has since pleaded not guilty, prompting further inquiries into the Secret Service’s operational effectiveness. The task force formed after the July incident expanded its focus in light of these alarming events.

Rowe, who took over as acting director in July after Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation, acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings. He stated, “We did not meet the expectations of the American public, Congress, and our protectees,” admitting to a failure to secure the Butler Farm Show site effectively.

In response, Rowe detailed various improvements being implemented, including the use of unmanned aerial systems for monitoring event venues and the recruitment of a chief wellness officer to enhance mental health initiatives within the agency. He emphasized a critical need for a “paradigm shift” aimed at elevating security measures and fostering accountability.

The hearing took a tense turn when Fallon confronted Rowe about a photo showing him standing near Biden during a 9/11 memorial. Accusations flew as Fallon questioned Rowe’s role in protective details, leading to a vocal exchange between the two. Rowe defended his presence, emphasizing that it did not compromise protective operations.

The debate highlighted ongoing dissatisfaction with the agency’s leadership structure. Trump has not yet revealed his preferred candidate for the Secret Service director position, which, while not requiring Senate confirmation, has sparked discussion among lawmakers about potential changes to the appointment process.

Last updated 11:57 a.m., Dec. 6, 2024