The House task force investigating the assassination attempt against Donald Trump released a final report with recommendations for the Secret Service. The report includes 25 recommendations related to the July 13 attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and 11 general recommendations for the Secret Service. The task force found the attack was preventable and highlighted failures in planning and leadership. They praised the Secret Service for preventing a second attack in Florida later that year.
Among the recommendations, the task force suggested recording all radio transmissions and focusing protection on the president and top U.S. officials instead of foreign leaders. They also recommended additional staffing for high-pressure situations, more training for non-Secret Service personnel, and developing a process to address conflicts with protectees’ staff.
The task force had access to 18,000 documents and interviewed witnesses, but faced limitations with FBI access. They identified decision points that could have prevented the attack in Butler, including failing to secure a high-risk area and unclear guidance to local partners. The task force highlighted preexisting leadership and training issues within the Secret Service that contributed to the failures. Secret Service agents with little experience in advance planning roles were given significant responsibility, despite the event being held in a high-risk outdoor venue with line of sight issues.
Overall, the task force emphasized the need for improved planning, communication, and training within the Secret Service to prevent future assassination attempts and ensure the protection of top U.S. officials.
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