Staff Reports
When it comes to the protection of former President Trump, the Secret Service seems to have shifted gears from safeguarding to sidestepping blame. In the wake of a shocking assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, the federal body quickly pointed fingers at local law enforcement, prompting widespread backlash and scrutiny.
Thomas Crooks, a deranged gunman, managed to fire several shots from a rooftop during Trump's rally, tragically killing one individual and injuring several others, including Trump himself. Federal snipers ultimately neutralized the attacker, but the damage was done. Questions immediately arose about how Crooks had such an unobstructed line of sight.
Scrambling to cover themselves, the Secret Service asserted that the rooftop of American Glass Research was under local police jurisdiction, not theirs. Their spokesperson, Anthony Gugliemi, made it clear in the liberal bastion newspaper, The New York Times, that their responsibility was limited to the event grounds. According to Gugliemi, the local officers were aware of the threat but still failed to prevent Crooks from wreaking havoc.
Here we go…Secret Service Scrambles to Shift Blame After Trump Shooting as Backlash Hits Hard – 'Nobody Contacted Me' https://t.co/OD7NseyrhQ
— QueenRobina (@IrishKevinsKeys) July 15, 2024
Critics weren't buying the excuse and pointed out the glaring failure. Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police emphasized that the Secret Service always takes the lead in securing high-profile events. The local forces are merely there to support the Secret Service's ultimate responsibility, not substitute. Even former Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz weighed in, lambasting the Secret Service for shortchanging security measures and relying too heavily on undertrained local cops. Chaffetz argued that the federal agents are stretched thin and compromising safety, all the while local families like Valerie Fennell's were left completely in the dark, unaware that their neighborhood could become a war zone.
While the suits in Washington are busy passing the buck, local residents are shaking their heads. Fennell and her neighbors were never contacted about security protocols or any expected disruptions, suggesting a massive communication breakdown. This colossal oversight begged the question shared by Debra, Valerie's sister, and undoubtedly many others: why wasn't the area properly secured?
This lack of preparation speaks volumes about the Secret Service's priorities and capabilities. Is it too much to ask that they ensure a former President's safety by collaborating effectively with local law enforcement? Apparently, that basic level of competence is slipping through their fingers, with their only response being to scapegoat those who lack federal-level training.
As the dust settles, it's clear that Americans, especially Trump's supporters, are demanding answers and accountability. The Secret Service may have dodged a bullet this time, but only time will tell if they can restore trust or continue their blame game in future high-stakes situations.
