Hawley claims lead agent at Butler rally failed exams after Trump threat

During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump faced a serious security breach when a gunman grazed his ear with a bullet. In the aftermath, Senator Josh Hawley raised concerns about the Secret Service's handling of the event, particularly criticizing the lead advance agent assigned to the rally. Hawley claimed that this agent may have failed training exams and was not considered a top-quality agent, raising questions about her qualifications for such a critical role. Hawley expressed disbelief that someone with a questionable performance record could be placed in charge of the entire security operation for the trip. He highlighted the lack of experienced personnel at the rally, suggesting that the event was understaffed and undermanned, which could have contributed to the security failure. The senator also pointed out that Kimberly Cheatle, the former director of the Secret Service, had aimed to increase the number of female agents within the organization. This led Hawley to question the decision-making process that allowed an agent with a poor performance history to lead the security detail for a high-profile event involving the former president. Furthermore, Hawley alleged that the Department of Homeland Security was pressuring the Secret Service to withhold documents from Congress regarding the incident. This lack of transparency has raised further concerns about accountability and the overall effectiveness of the Secret Service in protecting high-profile individuals.