WASHINGTON — A bipartisan congressional task force has released a comprehensive 180-page report addressing the assassination attempts against Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. The report recommends reforms for the Secret Service, such as limiting the protection of foreign dignitaries during peak election times, and reconsidering the agency’s affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security.
The report delivers an in-depth analysis of two significant incidents—the July shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, which left Trump injured and resulted in the death of a rally attendee, and a subsequent attempt two months later in Florida, where a Secret Service agent thwarted an attack. The task force was critical of the Secret Service’s performance, describing the events as “tragic” and avoidable, and highlighting numerous failures in security protocols.
The July attack involved a gunman firing from a rooftop, injuring Trump in the ear and killing one person while wounding two others, with the shooter being ultimately killed by a countersniper. In September, another gunman waited at Trump’s golf course but was caught before executing his plan due to a vigilant Secret Service agent.
Among the key recommendations is a reduction in the number of individuals that the Secret Service is expected to protect, especially foreign leaders. The report suggests that this has become increasingly burdensome given the expanding scope of the agency’s responsibilities, particularly during critical campaign periods when presidential candidates require heightened protection. The presence of foreign dignitaries during the U.N. General Assembly in September adds to this strain.
The authors urged Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Secret Service to explore whether some protective duties for foreign leaders could be reassigned, allowing the agency to concentrate on its primary mission of safeguarding the President and other essential U.S. leaders.
Additionally, the task force proposed a review of the Secret Service’s investigative duties, which, while historically important, may detract from its core protective responsibilities during elections. The report highlighted that non-protective duties should be scrutinized to ensure maximum focus on safeguarding U.S. leaders and candidates during their campaigns.
There were also discussions about the potential advantages of relocating the Secret Service from the Department of Homeland Security, where it has faced challenges with leadership stability and resource allocation. The report stated that an independent agency status might enable better budget advocacy and prioritization of security efforts, suggesting such a shift deserves thoughtful consideration.
The report pointed out that the shooting incident was exacerbated by staffing shortages and resource limitations. On the day of the July event, the Secret Service was stretched thin as they simultaneously managed security for Trump and First Lady Jill Biden at separate nearby events. The task force noted that the absence of a counter-surveillance unit during the rally might have contributed to the missed opportunity to identify the shooter earlier.
Furthermore, the report criticized the lack of effective communication and planning between the Secret Service and local law enforcement, which impacts site security for significant events. It emphasized that the Secret Service ultimately bears responsibility for ensuring thorough coordination with local authorities and maintaining a secure environment for protectees.
In summary, the congressional task force’s recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Secret Service, particularly in light of the glaring security lapses seen during the assassination attempts on Trump. The focus on re-evaluating current duties and structures is intended to bolster the agency’s ability to protect essential U.S. officials during critical election periods.
