Secret Service Places Agents on Leave Following Trump Assassination Attempt
At least five agents of the U.S. Secret Service have been placed on administrative leave, including the head of the Pittsburgh field office, amidst an investigation into an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump last month. Sources with knowledge of the situation suggest that this decision is part of a broader inquiry.
Details of the Investigation
Among those on leave is one agent dedicated to Trump’s personal security and three others from the Pittsburgh office. While the nature of the leave—administrative or disciplinary—remains unclear, it is a common practice to place personnel on leave during investigations for various reasons, including mental health support.
Incident Overview
The internal affairs division of the Secret Service is currently investigating how a 20-year-old assailant managed to fire eight rounds from a rooftop near Trump’s speaking engagement in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Remarkably, one of the gunfire grazed Trump’s ear, escalating concerns about security procedures.
Secret Service Response
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, declined to confirm any specific personnel actions but emphasized that a mission assurance review is underway. He stated the agency is rigorously analyzing the processes that allowed the operational lapse during the rally.
Potential Disciplinary Measures
The Secret Service retains a structured approach to discipline, which ranges from administrative leave to strict suspensions—and in circumstances warranting severe infractions, could involve termination or loss of security clearance. In this case, those under review will still receive payment while reassigned to administrative tasks.
Casualties from the Incident
The dramatic events of that day resulted in the death of Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore and left two others severely injured. The gunman was neutralized by a Secret Service sniper positioned during the rally.
Accountability and Oversight
In the fallout, Kimberly Cheatle, the former Director of the Secret Service, faced intense scrutiny from Congress and ultimately resigned as a result of the incident. In her place, Acting Director Ronald Rowe has committed to addressing the failures implicated in the security breach and will oversee further investigative actions.
Congressional Investigations
The congressional inquiry is concurrently probing the Secret Service’s overall preparedness and actions taken during the rally. A dedicated task force has been established, with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies requested to provide substantial documentation concerning the incident.
Changes in Security Procedures
In the wake of this incident, Trump has adapted his security measures, including the use of bulletproof glass during recent outdoor rallies for increased protection.
