Senate report highlights resources denied for Trump events in 2024
Senate Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul recently published a final report on the committee’s investigation into the assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump by Thomas Crooks, marking the one-year anniversary of the events in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The report, while containing few new details, largely reiterates information already known about the shooting. It closely resembles a preliminary report presented by former committee Chairman Gary Peters in September 2024.
In the report, Paul highlights what he describes as “shocking failures by the United States Secret Service that allowed former President Donald J. Trump to be shot on July 13, 2024.” He emphasizes that Trump’s survival was fortunate despite being shot in the head, and points out subsequent attempts on his life, including a recent threat from Iran. Paul condemns the communication failures and negligence that led to the preventable tragedy, suggesting that the consequences imposed on those responsible do not match the severity of the situation.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran responded to the report, stating that the agency will continue to collaborate with the committee as they progress in their mission. He acknowledged the reforms implemented by the Secret Service following the events of July 13, expressing appreciation for the support received from President Trump, Congress, and federal and local partners.
The bipartisan investigation by the committee, initiated shortly after the attack, relied on 75,000 pages of documents provided to the committee. The report reiterates known details about the shooting, highlighting failures in planning and execution of the Butler rally, particularly in communication breakdowns between local law enforcement and the Secret Service.
Instances where requests for additional resources to support Trump during his campaign were denied or unfulfilled are also emphasized in the report. It points out the lack of countersnipers at certain rallies despite intelligence suggesting increased risks, as well as the denial of other resources like Counter Assault Teams and drones for various events in 2024.
The report criticizes the lack of accountability for Secret Service officials involved in the incident, noting that only six individuals faced disciplinary action, which the report deems as insufficient. Former USSS Director Kimberley Cheatle and Acting Director Ronald Rowe are accused of making false statements during their testimonies to Congress.
Overall, the report sheds light on the failures that led to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and calls for greater accountability within the Secret Service to prevent such incidents in the future.
