US: Senate accuses Secret Service of serious wrongdoing surrounding Trump assassination attempt

It's been more than two months since the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump US Senate He accused the Secret Service of negligence. The Secret Service made “foreseeable, avoidable” failures at all levels that led directly to the events surrounding the attempted attack, the bipartisan inquiry reported. “The consequences of these failures are dire,” said Senator Gary Peters, the Democratic chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Local law enforcement and Secret Service officials were interviewed for the report. The latter is responsible for protecting high-ranking politicians — including the current president, but also former incumbents or presidential candidates like Trump.

In mid-July, Trump was hit by a bullet in his ear while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania. One attendee died and two others were injured. The suspect opened fire from the roof of a building overlooking the stage before being killed by a Secret Service sniper. The Secret Service has already admitted wrongdoing after the attack. Then-boss Kimberly Seat resigned.

Commission: No clear chain of command

The commission has now concluded that there is no clear chain of command between the Secret Service and other security agencies. There is also no plan to monitor the building where the shooter climbed. Communication breakdown occurred due to separate radio channels. Information is simply not sent. Additionally, an inexperienced drone pilot had to contend with technical issues with his equipment.

Senators called on the Secret Service to change its communications processes and better streamline responsibilities. Congress should consider whether additional funding is needed. However, Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether the Secret Service should receive more money after the crash.

Another incident happened a week ago: The Secret Service shot and killed a gunman hiding in bushes while the former president was playing golf at Trump's golf course in Florida. The suspect fled without firing a shot, but was arrested and charged a short time later. The Senate committee announced that it will also investigate the security forces responsible in the case.