Accounts of members of the Secret Service responsible for the July 13 attack on the president-elect. Donald Trump It’s “happening,” acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe will tell a House panel investigating the incident.
“All disciplinary actions are taken to promote the effectiveness of the Secret Service and promote behaviors and principles that ensure the success of the agency’s mission,” according to a copy of Rowe’s written testimony obtained by ABC News.
In this Sept. 20, 2024, file photo, U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe speaks at a news conference in Washington, DC.
Ben Curtis, Pool via AFP via Getty Images
“Employees who receive disciplinary proposals will be given due process in accordance with agency policy, as well as applicable laws and regulations. But, let me be clear, there will be accountability, and that accountability is occurring. Consistent with existing laws and regulations, I cannot . to comment further on ongoing or pending disciplinary actions.”
Suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting Trump in the ear, killing one bystander and injuring two others.
In this July 13, 2024, file photo, Secret Service agents remove former President Donald Trump from the stage with blood on his face during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show Inc. in Butler, Pa.
The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE
Earlier this year the Secret Service Mission Assurance report was released, along with an independent Department of Homeland Security review and a Senate report.
Rowe will testify later to be a director he has focused on preventing another July 13 shooting from happening again.
In its statement, the Secret Service said it increased its staffing levels on the president-elect’s details, expanding the use of drones in the halls, deploying anti-drone technology in the halls, working with the Defense Department on the faulty radio issue, among others. to assist federal law enforcement agencies in protective visits and to assist in the deployment of ballistic countermeasures at Secret Service sponsored events.
At the president-elect’s residences, the Secret Service has worked with state and local partners to strengthen security and use state-of-the-art technology to do so.
“My goal is to improve the effectiveness of our mission and rebuild public trust,” according to Rowe’s written testimony. “One of the key systemic changes was the directive to mandate a unified command for all protection zones in a single location, something that was not done at Butler on July 13. This location improves our communications and intelligence sharing mechanisms with state, local and federal partners to better anticipate and respond to threats more quickly. to answer.”
In his written testimony, Rowe said he has also prioritized officers’ mental health, adding a chief wellness officer earlier this week.
“While I cannot undo the damage done, I pledge to do everything in my power to prevent the Secret Service from failing like this again.”
