Thu Sep 19 06:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Sen. Hawley Alleges Catastrophic Security Failures in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

**WASHINGTON D.C.** – Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has released a scathing report alleging a series of serious security failures that allowed an individual to fire a weapon at former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13th. The report, based on whistleblowers and interviews with local law enforcement, paints a picture of negligence, incompetence, and potential cover-up by the Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Hawley, who described the incident as the most stunning breakdown in presidential security since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, claims the agencies have deliberately obstructed congressional investigations, misled the public, and shirked responsibility.

The report highlights the following key findings:

* **Failure of Counter-Surveillance:** The Secret Service’s Counter Surveillance Division, responsible for threat assessments at all event sites, was absent from the Butler rally, despite the shooter using a drone to survey the site just hours before the attack.
* **Denied Security Resources:** Secret Service agents were ordered to not request additional security resources, even after it became clear that the shooter had surveyed the rally site.
* **Abandonment of Rooftop:** Law enforcement personnel abandoned the rooftop of a nearby building, allowing the shooter to position himself for a clear shot.
* **Lead Agent Incompetence:** The lead Secret Service agent responsible for coordinating security at the rally was found to be incompetent, leading to poor visibility around the stage.
* **Inadequate Training:** DHS agents assigned to fill in for Secret Service shortages received inadequate training, just two hours long.

The report also reveals that the lead Secret Service agent for the entire Butler event failed a key exam during federal law enforcement training, and that Secret Service intelligence units, vital for handling suspicious persons, were entirely absent from the rally.

Hawley has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the security failures, calling for the resignation of former Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle and the termination of those responsible. He has also accused the DHS of pressuring the Secret Service to obstruct congressional document requests.

The DHS and Secret Service have not yet responded to the allegations. However, Senator Hawley has pledged to continue pursuing accountability and encourages anyone with information about the security failures to contact him directly.

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