5 Secret Service agents placed on leave after Trump assassination attempt, Internet says ‘should be fired’

Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: In the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, at least five US Secret Service agents have been placed on administrative leave.

This action includes one member of Trump’s personal protection team and four agents from the Pittsburgh Field Office, including the special agent in charge. The suspended agents are now teleworking and barred from field duties and investigative work.

Donald Trump survives assassination attempt by a whisker

The decision follows an intense internal review by the Secret Service aimed at uncovering how 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to fire shots from the AGR building despite prior warnings. The FBI’s separate criminal investigation initially delayed these interviews.

Amidst this turmoil, Sen Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) revealed that a Secret Service whistleblower has alleged that headquarters officials discouraged additional security measures for the rally.

This claim is crucial as one bullet grazed Trump’s right ear, and firefighter Corey Comperatore was fatally injured, with rally-goers James Copenhaver and David Dutch also wounded. The attacker Crooks, was killed by Secret Service snipers.

FBI reveals Thomas Crooks scaled rooftops to target Donald Trump

The FBI has reported that Thomas Matthew Crooks gained access to a building’s roof by scaling HVAC equipment and piping. He then moved across several rooftops to reach a vantage point roughly 150 yards away from where the former president was speaking at his rally.

Local law enforcement, tasked with overseeing the event, had flagged Crooks as suspicious in text messages sent at least 90 minutes before the shooting but despite these warnings, he managed to fire at Trump and the crowd.

Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned shortly after the shooting and Congressional testimony. Lawmakers have since demanded significant personnel changes within the agency.

Fox News reports that internal communications had flagged a threat from Iran before the Butler event, raising questions about why the rally proceeded with known risks. The Secret Service has pledged to thoroughly investigate the decisions and actions related to the event.

“The US Secret Service’s mission assurance review is progressing, and we are examining the processes, procedures, and factors that led to this operational failure,” said Anthony Guglielmi, USSS Chief of Communications.

"The US Secret Service holds our personnel to the highest professional standards, and any identified and substantiated violations of policy will be investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for potential disciplinary action. Given this is a personnel matter, we are not in a position to comment further."

Calls for transparency and accountability

House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep James Comer (R-Ky) and Sen Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have both expressed support for the disciplinary measures, emphasizing transparency in preventing future failures. "There must be accountability at the Secret Service for its historic failures that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump," Comer stated. 

"Holding negligent employees accountable is the first step. I look forward to the Task Force’s findings of its investigation. We must ensure the Secret Service does not fail again."

"We still need real answers about the attempt on President Trump's life and accountability for everyone involved," Hawley said.

The investigation into the Secret Service's handling of the event is ongoing, with both internal and external reviews set to determine the full extent of the agency’s lapses and accountability.

Public outrage over delayed Secret Service action

As the Secret Service places five agents on administrative leave nearly six weeks after the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, public outrage is growing. 

"How they weren't all put on leave right away is crazy. Mistakes were made," tweeted a user.

"Why did this take so long? Complete incompetence in this administration from top to bottom," said a second.

"Until they come out with names and faces, it is just another lie to me," a third claimed.

"41 Days. It’s been 41 Days and they’re placed on leave, not even fired. Wow!" added another.

"I tell my niece to go work for the government because you can do all kinds of loser things & never get fired! Paid leave forever!" read a tweet.

"Action being taken, but will the truth come out..," penned a user.

"Should be FIRED," chimed another.

"Suspension? No arrest?!!!" questioned a user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.