Butler Township reacts to Hawley’s report on Trump assassination attempt

Butler Township leaders are responding to a whistleblower report by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley regarding an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally on July 13. The report highlights significant failures in security protocols, alleging that the lead Secret Service agent failed a critical examination during training. Additionally, it claims that essential Secret Service intelligence units were absent, and personnel from the Department of Homeland Security were inadequately trained, having been pulled from other critical duties. The report also raises concerns about the security of the hospital where Trump was treated after being shot, noting that the site agent could not answer basic security questions. This points to a broader systemic failure in the planning and execution of security measures for the event. Law enforcement had flagged the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, as suspicious well before the incident, yet he managed to fire eight shots, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. In the aftermath, at least five Secret Service agents have been placed on leave, and the agency's director has resigned. The ongoing investigation aims to address these failures and implement necessary changes. Butler Township officials express relief that the investigation is uncovering issues that need correction, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety for public figures. As Trump plans to return to Butler County in October, local leaders hope that the findings will lead to improved security measures to prevent future incidents. The Secret Service has acknowledged the report and is working with congressional committees to finalize its internal investigation, which may be released soon.