New Secret Service leader questioned about agency’s mistakes after Trump attack.
A group of House Republicans has raised concerns about the U.S. Secret Service’s handling of security issues following the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., is leading the charge by sending a letter to acting USSS Director Ronald Rowe, expressing worries about a potential “pattern of negligence” within the agency.
The lawmakers pointed to a recent report hinting at negative revelations in an upcoming Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Specifically, they cited the July 13 shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which an assassin gained access to an unsecured building overlooking the rally stage and fired shots at the former president.
The letter also referenced a Politico report that suggested the Secret Service possesses a draft report by the DHS OIG focused on the agency’s preparation for and response to the events of January 6. It was noted that this report could potentially shed light on embarrassing security lapses within the agency.
As a response to these concerns, Republicans are requesting a summary of the DHS watchdog report’s findings and recommendations from Rowe by July 31. The aim is to ascertain whether the security lapses observed at the Trump rally are indicative of a larger pattern of negligence within the Secret Service.
Notably, the Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny since the shooting incident in July 2024, which resulted in the death of one rally attendee and critical injuries to two others. Former Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following a contentious House Oversight Committee hearing, while Rowe admitted to lawmakers in the Senate that his agency had failed in ensuring the safety of the event.
Overall, the concerns raised by House Republicans highlight the importance of holding the Secret Service accountable for any security lapses and ensuring the protection of public figures in the future.
