Secret Service Suspends 6 After Trump Assassination Attempt in Pennsylvania
Following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last year, the Secret Service has suspended six personnel.
Agency Response
Deputy Director Matt Quinn stated the agency aims to address the underlying issues that led to the security lapse. "We're going to focus on the root cause and fix the deficiencies," Quinn told CBS News.
Penalties and Reassignments
Agents involved in the July 13, 2024 incident, where a gunman opened fire, faced penalties including unpaid leave and reassignment to less critical roles. Penalties ranged from 10 to 42 days of unpaid leave.
Focus on Systemic Improvements
Quinn defended the decision not to terminate anyone, emphasizing a focus on systemic improvements. The event resulted in one death, two injuries, and the gunman's death by a Secret Service sniper.
New Measures Implemented
New measures, such as direct radio communication between Secret Service agents and local law enforcement, have been implemented to prevent future incidents.
Leadership Changes and Investigations
The incident, combined with a subsequent foiled attempt, led to the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle and sparked multiple investigations. A House task force report highlighted failures in leadership, training, and coordination.
