The United States Secret Service suspended at least six agents without pay due to their responsibility in the security failures that allowed the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump last July in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The sanctions affect both line agents and supervisors, ranging from 10 to 42 days without pay, a agency official confirmed to NBC News.
According to the source, the number of suspensions could rise as the internal investigation progresses. Among those sanctioned would be the special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, responsible for coordinating the security of the rally with local law enforcement.
"The Secret Service is committed to investigating the decisions and actions of the personnel involved and to applying disciplinary measures when any wrongdoing is confirmed," stated Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the agency, to Real Clear Politics.
"We are examining the processes, procedures, and factors that led to this operational failure. (...) The Office of Professional Accountability will investigate any identified and verified policy violations for potential disciplinary action," he added.
The assassination attempt occurred on July 13, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to set up armed on an unguarded rooftop just 137 meters from the stage where Trump was delivering a speech.
The shooter opened fire, wounding Trump in one ear and killing firefighter Corey Comperatore. Crooks was shot down by a Secret Service sniper seconds after the shooting began.
At the time, lawmakers from both parties harshly criticized the Secret Service for the mistakes made before and during the attack, which federal authorities labeled a potential act of domestic terrorism.
As a result of bipartisan pressure, Kimberly Cheatle resigned as the head of the agency less than two weeks after the incident. Before leaving her position, she publicly acknowledged her responsibility for the security failures.
A report released by the Secret Service in September detailed numerous errors, such as a lack of communication with local police, the use of unofficial channels (like text messages and cell phones) to transmit critical information, and omissions in monitoring elevated points, such as the rooftop from which the attacker fired.
The report itself highlights that the agents spotted the suspect 20 minutes before the shooting, but did not act with the necessary urgency.
In December, a working group from the House of Representatives published a lengthy 180-page report concluding that the Butler attack was "preventable," although it could not be attributed to a single decision or specific error.
Among his 12 recommendations, he proposed recording all radio broadcasts and creating special protocols for high-risk situations.
In contrast, the report highlighted the successful actions of the Secret Service during a second assassination attempt against Trump, which occurred in September in Florida and was thwarted thanks to an "effective and well-coordinated response."
The assassination attempt in Butler left a deep mark on the politics and national security of the United States, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the protection protocols for public figures, even at pre-planned and monitored events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sanctions on the United States Secret Service
Why were the agents of the Secret Service in the United States sanctioned?
Secret Service agents were penalized due to security failures that allowed an assassination attempt against President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The lack of communication and proper oversight were key factors in the mistakes made.
What were the consequences of the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania?
The assassination attempt resulted in the suspension of several agents from the Secret Service and led to the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, the agency's director at that time. Reports were also prepared highlighting the deficiencies in security during the event.
What measures have been proposed to improve the security of the Secret Service?
12 recommendations have been proposed to enhance security, including recording all radio broadcasts and creating special protocols for high-risk situations. These measures aim to prevent mistakes that could compromise safety in future events.
What role did Sean Curran play in the security incidents and what is his new position?
Sean Curran played a crucial role in protecting Trump during the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and was subsequently appointed director of the Secret Service. This appointment is part of efforts to strengthen and enhance the agency's security coordination.
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