Hawley Exposes Major Security Failures After Assassination Attempt at Trump Rally

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) released a damning report on Monday detailing the catastrophic security failures that led to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Hawley's 22-page report, which follows a thorough investigation, describes the security breakdown as “the most stunning failure in presidential security since the assassination of John F. Kennedy.”

Hawley's report comes just a day after Trump survived yet another assassination attempt at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The senator’s findings expose significant negligence on the part of the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and others tasked with protecting the former president. The report sheds light on a series of serious errors and missteps that nearly resulted in tragedy.

Key findings from the report include:

• Lack of Threat Assessment: The Secret Service’s Counter Surveillance Division failed to conduct a threat assessment at the Butler rally site and was entirely absent on the day of the event.

• Incompetent Leadership: The agent responsible for securing the rally failed a key examination during their law enforcement training. Their incompetence, according to Hawley’s investigation, directly contributed to security lapses, including the placement of large flags near the stage that obstructed visibility.

• Poorly Secured Hospital: After Trump was shot, he was taken to a hospital that was also inadequately secured, with the agent on site unable to answer basic questions about safety protocols.

In the chaos of the assassination attempt, one rallygoer was killed. Trump, narrowly escaping with his life, was rushed to a poorly secured hospital, further compounding the security failures. Hawley's investigation involved interviews with whistleblowers, many of whom expressed concerns about a pattern of negligence and sloppy security practices that had been ongoing for years.

"The findings are highly damaging to the credibility of the Secret Service and DHS," the report bluntly states. Hawley didn't pull any punches in calling out the incompetence within the agencies responsible for protecting the former president. His report underscores the dire need for reforms to prevent future assassination attempts from nearly succeeding.

This scathing report was released just as another would-be assassin, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, was arrested for attempting to shoot Trump at his Mar-a-Lago golf course. Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents as he hid with a rifle, fleeing after agents opened fire. Routh had expressed his disillusionment with Trump on social media, posting hostile comments about his disappointment in the former president.

The series of assassination attempts comes amid heightened political tensions, with Trump remaining a central figure as the 2024 election looms. Despite facing threats from all sides, the former president continues to push forward with his campaign, undeterred by these dangers.

Hawley’s report is a wake-up call for federal agencies tasked with securing high-profile events. The lapses in security at the Butler rally must not be repeated, especially as Trump gears up for more public appearances.

As these assassination attempts remind us, political violence is becoming all too common in the Biden-Harris era. Weak leadership, both at home and abroad, continues to embolden those who wish to do harm. Strong security measures must be reinstated if we hope to prevent future attacks on our nation’s leaders.

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