The assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Pennsylvania has sparked significant criticism and raised numerous questions about the responsibilities and actions of the security authorities. The head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, reiterated in an interview with ABC that local police officers were in the same building complex as the shooter but reacted too late despite being alerted by those present.
The Secret Service is tasked with protecting the president and former office holders, collaborating with local police authorities. During the rally in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service protected Trump and his entourage in an inner security circle, while the local police handled the outer security perimeter. The shooter fired from a warehouse in this outer circle, resulting in the death of a fifty-year-old father and injuries to several others.
Cheatle has confirmed that local officials were warned about the shooter shortly before the shots were fired. However, the local police and Secret Service have differing accounts of their actions during the incident. Cheatle emphasized that despite the division of responsibilities, the Secret Service is fully responsible for the design and execution of the site’s security.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have expressed concerns about potential violent follow-up or retaliation attacks in response to the assassination attempt. A joint intelligence bulletin obtained by CNN highlighted that individuals in some online communities have threatened or encouraged violence, reinforcing the assessment that election-related targets are under heightened threat.
The new intelligence bulletin does not identify a specific or credible attack threat but warns that domestic violent extremists may attempt subsequent acts of violence. The bulletin also raises concerns about extremists targeting election-related infrastructure during the 2024 election cycle, viewing political rallies and campaign events as attractive targets.
In response to the assassination attempt, Cheatle stated that the Secret Service had warned Trump's team multiple times against holding outdoor rallies due to their vulnerability. The agency is now awaiting its internal and external reviews to make necessary adjustments to their security policies and procedures.
- Cheatle, while speaking to CNN, mentioned that no agency assets were diverted from Trump’s rally despite other events requiring protection on the same day. She affirmed the Secret Service's complete responsibility for the security design and execution at the site.
- The Secret Service highlighted that their job is highly dependent on local police support, and any changes needed in policies or procedures will be implemented based on the findings of their reviews. Cheatle also addressed the calls for her resignation from some Congress members, reiterating her pride in the actions taken by the Secret Service team during the incident.
- The FBI and DHS bulletin stressed the heightened threat to election-related targets and the possibility of extremists using tactics like hoax bomb threats, leaking personal information, and swatting to disrupt political events. The bulletin also noted the potential risks to the ongoing Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
