The U.S. Secret Service has taken disciplinary action against several agents in connection with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last month. On July 13, gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed onto a nearby roof and opened fire, injuring Trump and killing a firefighter. The attack has since revealed glaring security lapses.
Agents from the Pittsburgh Field Office who were involved in securing the event are now on administrative leave. However, members of Trump’s permanent protective detail, who also played a significant role in planning the rally’s security, remain on active duty. The uneven disciplinary measures have reportedly caused discontent within the agency, with insiders accusing top officials of shielding themselves from accountability.
Acting Director Ron Rowe has come under fire, with former agents and security experts blaming his leadership for the failures. Rowe took over after former Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following her disastrous testimony before Congress, where she faced criticism for justifying the lack of a countersniper team due to the “steep” roof where Crooks took his shot.
The controversy has also exposed deeper issues within the Secret Service, including budget cuts and a reduced focus on countersurveillance. Whistleblowers have revealed that key divisions meant to evaluate outside threats were understaffed or entirely absent at the Butler rally, despite a heightened security risk. This decision, reportedly made by agency brass in Washington, left critical gaps in coverage.
As the investigation continues, pressure is mounting for a thorough overhaul of how the Secret Service handles security, especially during high-profile events. The incident has raised broader concerns about the agency’s readiness to protect current and former presidents in an increasingly unpredictable security environment.
