A heated exchange erupted during a congressional hearing on Thursday, focusing on the alleged assassination attempts against than-President-elect Donald Trump. The tension flared when Representative Pat Fallon, a republican from Texas, accused acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe of staging a publicity stunt at a 9/11 memorial event.
The confrontation took place during the final meeting of the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J.Trump. Fallon displayed a photograph of Rowe standing behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York City in September. Trump and Vice President-elect sen. JD Vance were also present at the event.
Fallon alleged that Rowe had deliberately positioned himself in the spot typically occupied by the special agent in charge of Biden’s security detail,ensuring he would be visible behind the president. Rowe is not expected to retain his position once Trump assumed office. Potential replacements include podcaster Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent who was highly critical of the agency’s leadership in light of the alleged security lapses surrounding the attempts on Trump’s life, and Sean Curran, the head of Trump’s current security detail.
Rowe vehemently denied Fallon’s accusation, swiftly and forcefully defending himself. “Congressman, what you’re not seeing, is the SAC of the detail out of the picture’s view,” Rowe stated, using the acronym for “special agent in charge.”
The tense exchange highlighted the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Secret Service’s handling of security for then-President-elect Trump and the political divisions surrounding the agency’s leadership.
A heated exchange erupted during a congressional hearing investigating two attempts on former President Donald Trump’s life. The confrontation involved Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and David Rowe,the interim head of the U.S. Secret Service.
The tense moment occurred during the final hearing of a congressional task force examining the July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left Trump injured and one of his supporters dead, and an alleged September 15 plot to assassinate Trump at one of his golf clubs.
Rowe, the sole witness at Thursday’s hearing, was promoted from deputy director to interim head of the agency following the first attempt on Trump’s life. he acknowledged security failures on that day and outlined a series of changes implemented at the agency.
The clash began when Connolly questioned Rowe about the agency’s preparedness for future threats. “Are you saying that the Secret Service is prepared for the next attack?” Connolly asked.
“And that is the day where we remember the more than 3,000 people that died in 9/11,” Rowe responded. ”I actually responded to Ground zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center. I was there at Fresh Kills,” Rowe added, referencing a Staten Island landfill where debris from the September 11 attacks was taken.
Connolly attempted to redirect the conversation: “I’m not asking you that.”
“I was there, congressman!” Rowe yelled while pointing at Connolly.
Rowe has previously admitted that “complacency” at the agency ”led to a breach in protocol” and that employees found to have been complacent “will be held accountable.”
He also acknowledged potential future challenges the agency might face, including the 2028 presidential election cycle.
A heated exchange erupted during a congressional hearing as Rep. Jimmy Fallon confronted former Secret Service agent, Gary Rowe, over his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. The tension escalated as the two men traded accusations, their voices rising above the din of the committee room.
rowe, who was on duty during the attack, found himself on the defensive as Fallon pressed him on his actions that day. “You endangered President Biden’s life, Vice President Harris’ life, as you put those agents out of position,” fallon asserted, his voice laced with indignation.
Rowe vehemently denied the congressman’s claims, accusing Fallon of attempting to ”bully” him and “evoke 9/11 for political purposes.” He further suggested that Fallon’s line of questioning was motivated by a desire to see Rowe “auditioning for this job,” implying a political motive behind the congressman’s scrutiny.
As the committee chairman struggled to restore order, banging his gavel for silence, Rowe fired back at Fallon, declaring, “You are out of line.”
## Expert Interview: secret Service Under Fire
**World Today News**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Jones. As you know, tensions flared during a recent congressional hearing about alleged assassination attempts against then-President-elect trump. Can you shed some light on what transpired and its implications?
**Dr. Jones (Security Expert)**: Absolutely. This incident highlights the deeply politicized environment surrounding the secret Service, particularly in relation to its handling of former President Trump’s security. The exchange between Representative Fallon and Acting Director Rowe was undoubtedly heated, with Fallon accusing Rowe of a publicity stunt during a 9/11 memorial.
**World Today News**: Fallon displayed a photograph of Rowe standing behind President Biden and Vice President Harris at the event. What does this tell us about the political complexities at play?
**Dr. Jones**: It reflects the deep partisan divide surrounding the agency. Fallon’s accusation, though denied by Rowe, suggests a belief that the Secret service under Rowe was not fully committed to protecting President Trump. Remember, Trump chose to skip the memorial’s main ceremony and laid a wreath at a nearby fire station. Fallon’s assertion implies Rowe’s positioning was a symbolic presentation of loyalty to the incoming Biden management.
**World Today News**: The hearing also touched upon potential replacements for Rowe, including Dan Bongino and Sean Curran. How might their backgrounds influence the agency?
**Dr. Jones**: Both individuals have strong ties to President Trump and have been critical of the Secret Service’s past performance during his presidency. Bongino, a former agent himself, has been particularly vocal about alleged security lapses. Their appointments could signal a important shift in the agency’s culture and priorities, potentially leading to more politically aligned leadership.
**World Today News**: This incident, alongside ongoing investigations into alleged attempts on Trump’s life, raises concerns about the Secret Service’s ability to maintain its apolitical stance.
**Dr. Jones**: This is a crucial issue.The Secret Service’s primary responsibility is to protect the president, regardless of political affiliation. Any perception of bias or political maneuvering can severely erode public trust and jeopardize the safety of protectees. This incident,like others we’ve seen,necessitates a thorough and impartial review of the agency’s policies and procedures to ensure its continued effectiveness and integrity.
**World Today News**: Thank you, Dr. Jones, for your insightful analysis. This clearly remains a developing story with significant implications for the future of the Secret Service.
