2nd Trump Assassination Attempt Puts Secret Service Under Fire Over Massive Security Failure

The Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny after second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, for failing to search the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., ahead of former President Donald J. Trump’s golf outing on Sunday.

This marks the second security breach in two months involving the former president, raising concerns about the agency’s ability to protect high-profile individuals in an increasingly violent environment.

The Sunday Attempted Assasination Incident

According to the F.B.I., data from the gunman’s cellphone revealed that he had spent nearly 12 hours near the golf course before aiming a rifle in the direction of Mr. Trump while he was golfing.

Quick action by Secret Service agents prevented any harm to Trump, with one agent reportedly spotting the barrel of a rifle through the bushes and firing at the suspect, Ryan W. Routh, 58.

The suspect was detained shortly after the manhunt began and was charged in federal court with possession of a firearm as a felon.

Secret Service Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. praised the agents’ response, stating, “The methods were effective yesterday,” and commending the “early” identification of the threat and immediate evacuation of the former president.

Rowe also acknowledged that Trump’s visit to the course was not officially scheduled, which could have contributed to the lapse in security measures.

Despite these comments, it is widely known that Trump frequently plays golf on Sundays, raising questions about the agency’s preparedness.

Calls for Accountability

The incident has led to widespread criticism from lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and former Secret Service agents.

“I’m very concerned at reports that the suspect allegedly was in the bushes for 11 hours,” said Beth Celestini, a former Secret Service agent who protected President Barack Obama.

She emphasized that the Secret Service has protocols in place to detect such threats long before they escalate.

Ronald Layton, a 26-year veteran of the agency, questioned whether the swift response to the gunman was merely “luck” or if the agency truly had the appropriate mechanisms in place to handle the attempted assassination threat.

Adding to the pressure, the Secret Service’s internal review marks the second such investigation in two months.

The agency is still grappling with the fallout from the July 13 attempted Trump assassination in Butler, Pa., where Thomas Crooks, attempted to kill Trump during a campaign rally.

While Trump’s ear was grazed, a rallygoer was fatally shot, prompting lawmakers to initiate an investigative task force into the incident.

It remains unclear whether this task force will also investigate the West Palm Beach assassination attempt.

Resource Challenges and Congressional Support

Rowe acknowledged that the agency’s ability to respond to increasing assassination threats is strained by limited resources.

In a letter to Congress on September 5, Rowe urged lawmakers to approve more funding for personnel, overtime, and facilities. President Biden has expressed support for the agency’s appeal, stating, “The Service needs more help” and calling on Congress to address their needs.

Lawmakers involved in the Senate and House Appropriations Committees are reportedly reviewing the Secret Service’s requests, though it remains uncertain if these resources will be allocated in time to prevent future incidents.

The agency currently protects over 40 individuals, including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former presidents, and their families, while also guarding foreign dignitaries during visits to the U.S.

In addition to personnel shortages, the Secret Service is facing an uptick in violent threats, fueled by an increase in hate speech and political tensions.

Since the July Butler shooting, the agency has reassigned members of Biden’s advance team to bolster security for Trump and Harris.

Additional resources from the Pentagon have also been deployed, including countersnipers and specialized glass to surround Trump during campaign events.

Despite these measures, the long hours and stressful working conditions have taken a toll on the agency’s ability to meet its growing demands.

Rowe has called for “hard conversations” with Congress to ensure the agency receives the resources necessary to prevent future security failures and thus the attempted assassination.

A Tense Political Environment

The assassination attempt comes at a critical moment, as the country faces an unprecedented presidential race between a sitting vice president and a former president.

With political tensions high and violence on the rise, the Secret Service finds itself under mounting pressure to ensure the safety of candidates and their families.

Further, the political environment of low tolerance for opposing views, which Trump and his supporters has blamed on Democrats’ rhetoric against him, has also raised the assassination attempts on him.

As the agency navigates this challenging landscape amid back-to-back assassination, many are left wondering whether it can adapt quickly enough to prevent further incidents.

In the words of Acting Director Rowe, “Success, we have to have it every day. We cannot have failures.”

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