Panel Urges Reform After Trump Rally Shooting in Pennsylvania

In Butler, Pennsylvania, an independent panel investigated the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally on July 13. The panel identified significant failures by the Secret Service, including inadequate security measures and communication breakdowns with local law enforcement. Key issues included the absence of personnel to secure a nearby building from which the shooter fired, and a lack of timely action despite the gunman being spotted prior to the attack. The report highlighted systemic flaws within the Secret Service, such as unclear security ownership and a troubling lack of critical thinking among agents. The panel called for urgent reforms and new leadership to address these deficiencies. The investigation revealed that the shooter had flown a drone near the rally site hours before the attack, raising further concerns about the agency's preparedness. The panel's findings underscore the need for a comprehensive reassessment of security protocols to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of public figures.