(PatriotsUnited.org) – Following last week’s assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump Secret Service has faced major criticisms. One attendee died from gunfire at the political rally. There have even been calls for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to step down over the failure.
Security consultant and retired Secret Service agent Bill Gage complained that the service’s resources were stretched and expressed disappointment over them not asking for increased funding and manpower following 9/11. While the Secret Service’s counter-sniper team eventually neutralized the shooter, they were understaffed.
The rally, part of a busy 2024 campaign season, underscored the increasing demands on the Secret Service. The agency’s protection duties now extend beyond the president and vice president to include their extended families, former presidents, and foreign dignitaries, without a proportional increase in budget or personnel.
The expanding list of protectees coincides with growing threats, including those from terror groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as domestic terrorism. However, Gage emphasized that despite these escalating challenges, the agency has not seen a significant boost in resources.
The rally has led to heightened criticism of the Secret Service’s readiness. Former FBI special agent Nicole Parker called the lack of security personnel an “epic fail,” criticizing the agency for not adequately protecting Trump and rally attendees. Videos from the event show the single counter-sniper team in action, returning fire and ultimately stopping the shooter, while agents on the ground swiftly shielded Trump with their bodies. Additional agents in tactical gear were later seen surrounding the suspect’s body on the rooftop.
Despite the criticisms, Gage defended the agents’ immediate actions amid the chaos, attributing the delayed response to the complexities of the situation. As the Secret Service faces increasing scrutiny, Gage’s reflections underscore a crucial need for enhanced planning and resources. “I love the Secret Service, but it’s not without fault,” he admitted. “And I think there was some fault here. Both in the planning and the resources that were devoted to this.”
The fatal shooting of Corey Comperatore, who heroically shielded his family, and the injuries sustained by others, highlights the human cost of these security lapses and the urgent need for a reassessment of the Secret Service’s capabilities.
Copyright 2024, PatriotsUnited.org
