U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has issued a formal letter to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, following whistleblower allegations that the lead site agent at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, lacked competence and failed to implement crucial security protocols.
“New whistleblower allegations to my office directly question decisions made by the Secret Service’s lead site agent principally responsible for securing the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania,” wrote Senator Hawley. “This is especially alarming because during your testimony on July 30, you stated that this agent was ‘still operational… They’re still doing protective visits.’ Your refusal to hold this individual accountable is increasingly inexplicable. I urge you to suspend the lead site agent from all Secret Service duties immediately while these claims are investigated.”
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As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Senator Hawley has been actively investigating the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
He has personally visited the Butler site and has publicized multiple whistleblower allegations. These include reports of lax security, abandoned posts on the roof where the shooter was located, and scaled-back security due to decisions made by Acting Director Rowe.
Whistleblowers with additional information are encouraged to contact Senator Hawley’s office.
During a Senate hearing on July 30, Senator Hawley questioned Acting Director Rowe, who confirmed that the Secret Service had refused drones from local law enforcement, a detail brought to light by a whistleblower.
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“A separate whistleblower disclosed that the lead site agent personally made decisions that likely compromised the overall security of the event. First, campaign material such as flags were permitted around the stage and catwalk used by the former president, despite typically being prohibited due to line-of-sight issues. Second, the Secret Service did not check IDs when issuing credentials for restricted areas, contrary to standard practice. Third, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents at the event reportedly told campaign officials they had never staffed a rally before and did not know proper procedures. These staffing decisions were the responsibility of the lead agent, according to the whistleblower,” said Hawley.
Hawley is requesting the individual’s personnel file and any records pertaining to the rally held on July 13th.
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