Secret Service director to be questioned over Trump assassination attempt
Accountability for Secret Service members responsible for the July 13 assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump is “ongoing,” Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe told a US Commission of Inquiry. Chamber on the incident.
“All disciplinary measures are imposed to promote the effectiveness of the Secret Service and encourage behaviors and principles that ensure the success of the agency’s mission,” according to a copy of Rowe’s written testimony, obtained by ABC News.
In this September 20, 2024 file photo, Acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service Ronald Rowe speaks at a news conference in Washington, DC.
Ben Curtis, Swimming Pool via AFP via Getty Images
“Employees receiving proposed disciplinary action will be afforded due process in accordance with agency policy as well as all applicable laws and regulations. But, let me be clear, there will be accountability, and this liability is ongoing. In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, I cannot comment further on specific disciplinary actions underway or contemplated.
Suspected shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting Trump in the ear, killing one spectator and injuring two others.
In this July 13, 2024, file photo, Secret Service agents remove Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, from the stage with blood on his face during a campaign rally at Butler Farm Show Inc., in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE
A Secret Service report on mission assurance was released earlier this year, along with an independent Department of Homeland Security review and a Senate report.
Rowe will testify that since becoming director, he has focused on preventing another July 13 shooting.
In his memo, he said the Secret Service has increased its manpower to deal with the president-elect, expanding the use of drones at sites, developing counter-drone technology at sites, solving the problem of radios defective by working with the Department of Defense, utilizing other federal law enforcement agencies to assist with protective visits and expand ballistic countermeasures at Secret Service protected events.
At the president-elect’s residences, the Secret Service has worked with state and local partners to enhance security and use cutting-edge technology to do so.
“My goal is to improve the effectiveness of our mission and restore public trust,” according to Rowe’s written testimony. “One of the key systemic changes was the directive requiring unified command in a single location for all protection sites, which was not done on July 13 at Butler. This co-location improves our communication and monitoring mechanisms. sharing information with state, local and federal partners to better anticipate threats and respond more quickly.
In his written testimony, Rowe said he also prioritized officers’ mental health, adding a wellness officer this week.
“While I cannot undo the harm that has been done, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that the Secret Service never fails like this again.”
