Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. The Secret Service has taken responsibility for the security lapse that led to the attack, citing "complacency" among some agents and communication gaps with local police.
The agency's acting director, Ronald Rowe, admitted fault at a press conference, acknowledging that the Secret Service failed to provide clear guidance to local law enforcement and address known line-of-sight issues at the rally site. The shooting left one attendee dead, with Trump sustaining a minor injury to his ear and two others critically injured.
Rowe emphasized that those responsible for the security breakdown would be held accountable. This incident occurred just days before former Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, highlighting the turmoil within the agency following the attempted assassination.
In a separate incident at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, an apparent assassination attempt was thwarted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire on a suspect with a rifle. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended and charged with federal gun crimes.
Rowe called for a "paradigm shift" in the Secret Service's operations to address the evolving threat level posed to high-profile individuals like Trump. The FBI is currently investigating both incidents as the agency works to prevent future attacks.
As the situation continues to develop, it is crucial to stay informed and vigilant. The safety and security of public figures remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies, and measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.