Secret Service blames local police for security failure, says they were tasked with securing properties surrounding Trump’s PA rally
The Secret Service blamed local police for not securing the rooftop from which gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump. They said it was outside their area of protection.
Securing and patrolling the factory grounds of AGR International Inc., about 130 yards from where Trump was speaking, was the responsibility of local Pennsylvania police, said Secret Service representative Anthony Gugliemi, according to the New York Times.
The Secret Service was only responsible for the area where Trump’s rally took place. Local police were supposed to help by securing the area outside the rally.
The Secret Service confirmed that it relied on local law enforcement to help with security at the event. They told the Washington Post that it's common to depend on local agencies for support.
Local police were responsible for the area outside the rally perimeter. At least six officers from Butler County tactical units joined the Secret Service’s counter-assault team— the heavily armed agents who covered Trump’s evacuation —, which only had two Secret Service agents. The two Secret Service sniper teams were supported by two local sniper teams.
Pennsylvania police confirmed they helped the Secret Service and often do when important government officials visit. However, the federal agency is in charge.
“Secret Service always has the lead on securing something like this,” Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police told reporters.
“We work with them to provide whatever is requested by the Secret Service, but they’re the lead in that security,” he said.
Calls for an investigation into the Secret Service and what allowed Crooks to come within an inch of assassinating Trump have begun, with House Oversight Committee Chairman Hames Comer (R-Ky) announcing plans Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a July 22 hearing.
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