Six Secret Service agents, assigned to protect former President Donald Trump during an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally last year, have been suspended for periods ranging from 10 to 42 days, as confirmed by the agency.
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While the Secret Service has not disclosed the identities of the agents or the specific reasons for their suspensions, the situation underscores significant concerns regarding security protocols during high-stakes events.
On July 13, during a rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman opened fire while Trump was addressing the crowd. The shooter gained access to a nearby rooftop, which provided a direct line of sight to the former president.
In an upcoming interview airing Saturday on Fox News, Trump emphasized that the Secret Service failed in its duty, stating, “There were mistakes made. And that shouldn’t have happened.” The interview, conducted by his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, sheds light on the critical issues surrounding that day’s security measures.
Reflecting on the incident, Trump remarked that the elite protection service “had a bad day,” noting the shooter had a clear vantage point from a “prime building” overlooking the rally. Tragically, one bystander lost their life, and two others, including Trump himself, suffered injuries before a counter-sniper neutralized the threat by killing the assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks.
Trump recounted, “The sniper was able to get him from a long distance with one shot. If he didn’t do that, you would have had an even worse situation.” He expressed gratitude towards the sniper, stating, “His name is David, and he did a fantastic job.”
When discussing the investigation and the overarching threat, Trump conveyed a sense of closure: “I’m satisfied with it.” He described the incident as “unforgettable,” recalling his immediate reaction: “I got whacked. There’s no question about that. And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming.”
Addressing the event’s aftermath, Secret Service Director Sean Curran, who was responsible for Trump’s security during the rally, stated, “The agency has taken many steps to ensure such an event can never be repeated in the future.” The Secret Service has thus implemented 21 out of 46 recommendations from congressional oversight bodies, with 16 additional recommendations currently in progress. Nine suggestions were not directed specifically at the Secret Service.
Furthermore, the agency is enhancing protective measures for locations such as golf courses. This comes in light of a recent incident where a man armed with a gun concealed himself near a Trump-owned golf course in Florida, intending to harm the then-Republican presidential candidate.
As events continue to unfold, it remains crucial for security agencies to evaluate and enhance their protocols to safeguard public figures effectively.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
