The US Secret Service has officially suspended six personnel due to serious lapses in security that occurred during a rally for Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year. The incident, during which gunman Matthew Crooks fired at Trump and tragically killed bystander Corey Comperatore, has been deemed an "operational failure" by Matt Quinn, the deputy director of the Secret Service.
In an interview with CBS News, Quinn confirmed that the suspensions range from 10 to 42 days without pay, although the specific identities of those suspended and their roles during the attack have not been made public. One of Crooks's shots grazed Trump's ear, prompting immediate evacuation as the assailant was shot dead by authorities.
Quinn, who has been with the agency since May, stressed the commitment to address underlying issues to prevent recurrence, stating, "Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler." He pointed to advancements in security measures, including the integration of military-grade drones and enhanced mobile command posts for on-site agents.
The rally, scheduled shortly before the anniversary of the tragedy on July 13, 2024, has ignited further scrutiny of the Secret Service, compounded by a critical Senate report last September that detailed communication failures which contributed to the shooting. An additional investigation in December labeled the attack preventable, citing a critical lapse in securing the rooftop from which Crooks fired.
In the wake of the attack, Trump has received heightened security measures as he continues his political activities, particularly following a second assassination scare involving another would-be gunman that occurred at his golf course in Florida. The Secret Service remains under intense scrutiny from Congress and the public alike as they navigate the security challenges surrounding high-profile political figures.
