Acting Director of the Secret Service, John Rowe, addressed the Senate Homeland Security Committee, expressing deep regret over the security lapse that allowed a gunman to open fire during a recent Trump rally in Butler.
“What I saw made me ashamed,” Rowe admitted somberly, referring to his visit to the shooting site to assess the failures firsthand. “I cannot defend why that roof was not better secured,” he added, acknowledging the critical oversight that enabled the assailant to gain access.
Rowe detailed significant actions taken since assuming his role, including a comprehensive review of security protocols at all protected sites. He emphasized that each site’s security plan will now undergo rigorous scrutiny by multiple supervisors to prevent future breaches.
The acting director also addressed the crucial issue of communication and intelligence sharing within the agency, revealing that neither the Secret Service’s counter-sniper teams nor the former president’s security detail had prior knowledge of the threat posed by the gunman on the AGR building’s roof. The teams only became aware when shots rang out.
“Full discretion to use deadly force was granted to the Secret Service counter-sniper who neutralized the attacker,” Rowe clarified, highlighting the authority vested in personnel to swiftly respond to imminent threats without delay.
‘What I Saw in Butler Made Me Ashamed’: Secret Service Chief At Senate Hearing world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
