The Secret Service was aware of manpower issues ahead of the shooting at the Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to a new report. Local law enforcement had warned the Secret Service that there was insufficient personnel to adequately secure the event venue .
The shooting occurred on July 13th, when a gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop, injuring Trump and killing one of his supporters. Prior to the attack, individuals had alerted authorities about a suspicious individual on the rooftop, but the limited law enforcement presence was unable to respond in time .
A former Secret Service special agent in charge, Frank Boudreaux Jr., stated that the security perimeter at the rally was too small and that the Secret Service needed more personnel to control the area within rifle range of the stage. Boudreaux noted that if the event had been a “national special security event” like the ongoing Republican National Convention, the Secret Service would have had a stronger presence and control over the surrounding area .
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The attempted assassination of the former president has prompted investigations by both the Department of Homeland Security and the House Oversight Committee, which is looking into the Secret Service’s handling of the situation . Authorities are also examining the shooter’s motives and background, as well as the coordination and communication between the various law enforcement agencies involved in securing the rally .
The incident has raised concerns about the Secret Service’s resources and ability to provide adequate protection for political candidates, especially at outdoor events. As the investigations continue, the Secret Service and other agencies will likely need to reevaluate their security protocols and staffing levels to prevent similar attacks in the future .