Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has revealed allegations from a whistleblower claiming that the Secret Service significantly compromised security ahead of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Hawley detailed these allegations in a letter to Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe, which he posted on X.
Hawley wrote, “Since your testimony before the Senate of July 30, new and disturbing information has come to light about Secret Service planning for the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign event—and your own involvement.”
The whistleblower accused Rowe of reducing the manpower of the Secret Service Counter Surveillance Division (CSD) by 20%, a decision that was not disclosed during his Senate testimony. The whistleblower suggested that if the CSD had been fully staffed, the shooter would have been apprehended long before posing a threat to Trump.
Additionally, the whistleblower claimed that officers had warned about security issues at events prior to the shooting, but instead of addressing these warnings, officials retaliated against the officers who raised them.
In his letter, Hawley demanded that Rowe provide records of policy changes made during his tenure, particularly those related to the CSD. He also requested records concerning officers under disciplinary action within the Secret Service.
These revelations are part of a series of criticisms directed at the Secret Service’s security measures for Trump. The mounting scrutiny has already led to the resignation of the Secret Service director.
The whistleblower’s allegations suggest significant lapses in security protocols that could have prevented the assassination attempt. As investigations proceed, there will likely be increased focus on the Secret Service’s operational decisions and leadership practices.
Hawley’s insistence on transparency and accountability reflects the serious implications of the whistleblower’s claims, which could lead to substantial changes within the agency.
