Whistleblower Claims Secret Service Ignored Drone Offers Before Rally Shooting

In a recent letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Josh Hawley revealed allegations from a whistleblower regarding the U.S. Secret Service's (USSS) handling of security at a rally attended by a former president. The whistleblower claims that the USSS repeatedly declined offers from local law enforcement to utilize drone technology for surveillance prior to the event, raising questions about the agency's decision-making process. According to the whistleblower, the USSS did not request local partners to deploy drones until after a shooting incident occurred, which involved an armed individual coming dangerously close to the rally. Hawley emphasized the need for transparency, requesting all Department of Homeland Security communications related to drone coverage for the event as part of a congressional investigation into the security lapses that allowed the shooter to approach within 150 yards of the former president. Hawley expressed concern over the USSS's refusal to use available drone technology, especially since the drones offered had capabilities to identify and potentially neutralize active shooters. He pointed out the irony that the shooter had flown his own drone over the rally area just hours before the attack, highlighting a significant oversight in security measures. Additionally, other whistleblowers have contacted Hawley’s office, providing further insights into the security failures, including the abandonment of a rooftop post by an officer due to extreme heat, which left a critical vantage point unguarded during the event.