In response to a second attempt on the life of former President Donald J. Trump, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has released a “comprehensive Whistleblower Report” detailing significant failures of the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report highlights multiple instances of negligence and raises new allegations, with numerous unanswered questions due to what Hawley describes as “USSS stonewalling.”
The report stems from an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, when former President Trump was nearly killed by an assassin’s bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to the report, the Secret Service failed to prevent the attempt, marking one of the most severe breaches of presidential security since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.
Key Findings and New Allegations
Senator Hawley’s report, based on whistleblower testimony, exposes a series of critical lapses in the actions and decisions of the Secret Service and DHS. It reveals new findings that were not previously reported, including:
- The lead agent for the Butler visit failed a key examination during federal law enforcement training to become a Secret Service agent.
- Secret Service intelligence units were absent from the Butler rally, leaving state and local law enforcement without coordinated support to handle reports of suspicious persons.
- The hospital site where former President Trump was treated after the shooting was poorly secured, and hospital agents could not answer basic questions about security procedures.
The report also notes that the Secret Service’s lead agent for the rally site had a history of incompetence that led to operational failures. For instance, improper placement of items like flags around the Butler stage impeded visibility, which may have contributed to the assassination attempt’s near success.
Unanswered Questions and Calls for Accountability
Despite the release of this report, numerous questions remain unanswered:
- Who decided to deny counter-sniper coverage on the roof where the would-be assassin fired the shot?
- Why did Secret Service leadership not publicly name the lead agent in charge of the Butler visit?
- Did the Acting Secret Service Director deny necessary resources to the Trump campaign or Secret Service teams?
Senator Hawley has called for the resignation or termination of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, expressing frustration over what he sees as efforts to evade accountability. He has demanded transparency from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and has called on the DHS Inspector General to investigate.
Conclusion
The Whistleblower Report underscores serious concerns regarding the Secret Service’s capacity to protect high-profile individuals and raises questions about their ability to prevent future threats. As these findings become public, the pressure mounts for accountability and reform within the agencies responsible for national security.
Whistleblowers with additional information are encouraged to contact Senator Hawley’s office via email or phone, with assurances that their identities will be protected under whistleblower laws.
