Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., discussed new allegations about the Secret Service’s handling of a recent assassination attempt against former President Trump on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Monday night.
Hawley revealed that whistleblowers had shared concerns with him about the lead Secret Service agent at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. During the rally, gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks shot Trump from a roof, hitting him in the ear and killing one person. Crooks also injured two others before being shot by Secret Service agents.
Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the Secret Service in the wake of this incident. Hawley claimed that the lead agent at the event was inexperienced and ineffective, saying she failed to follow standard security procedures. He noted that she did not check IDs and used mostly Homeland Security agents instead of Secret Service personnel.
Hawley also mentioned that some Secret Service agents are dissatisfied with how the agency has managed the situation and are worried about future incidents. He said, “Whistleblowers are coming forward because they are shocked by the agency’s inaction. They are afraid this could happen again.”
Following the interview, Hawley posted a letter on X demanding an explanation from Secret Service acting director Ronald L. Rowe about why the lead agent was assigned to the rally and why security protocols were not followed. He called for the agent to be suspended while an investigation is conducted.