Secret Service ignored threats ahead of Trump assassination attempt

On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old man named Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump by firing eight shots from a rooftop, one of which grazed Trump's ear. This shocking event resulted in the death of firefighter Cory Comperatore and injuries to two others. In the aftermath, investigations revealed significant failures within the U.S. Secret Service, including denial of requests for enhanced security and failure to communicate received intelligence about threats that were noted ten days prior to the rally. Despite being aware of potential dangers, the Secret Service had not informed those responsible for securing the event. The failures were attributed to mismanagement and bureaucratic obstacles, with some Senate committee members, including Senator Chuck Grassley, emphasizing the responsibility of the Biden administration for not increasing protective measures for Trump. In total, the report pinpointed a pattern of communication failures that culminated in a tragedy that might have been prevented with proper protocols and resource allocation. The report also suggested that training and planning for agents should change to improve internal communication and hashing out necessary resources for such events. Following the incident, several Secret Service personnel were suspended due to their lack of preparedness and failure to follow protocols, indicating a deeper issue concerning the agency's effectiveness and readiness in protecting key political figures. Moving forward, the Secret Service stated they would implement reforms and take a serious look into their operational procedures.