Secret Service boss drops bombshell on sniper security failures.
The Secret Service is under fire after a shocking revelation from its director, Kimberly Cheatle.
Trump’s narrow escape revealed.
On June 13, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump.
The June 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a high-stakes event for Trump.
Crooks had climbed onto a nearby shed roof and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle.
Shooter’s background revealed.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, an isolated young man, had no prior criminal record.
His motivations for targeting Trump remain under investigation.
Security footage showed Crooks methodically preparing his position on the roof.
A bullet grazed Trump’s ear, causing it to bleed, while a tragic fatality occurred.
Corey Comperatore, sitting behind Trump, was fatally shot, and two others were injured.
Sniper neutralizes threat.
The situation was neutralized when an FBI sniper took down Crooks.
Roof deemed risky.
The shed’s slanted roof was deemed too risky for agents to patrol, a decision now heavily criticized.
Experts argue that alternative measures should have been taken to secure the area.
The incident left many questioning the Secret Service’s protocols and response.
Director refuses to resign.
Cheatle announced that she has no intention of resigning despite the severe breach in security.
Cheatle’s startling admission.
Cheatle admitted the agency decided not to place snipers on the roof Crooks used.
“The roof was too slanted for safe positioning,” Cheatle told ABC News.
This decision left Crooks with an unobstructed view of Trump, 130 yards away.
Tactical experts were outraged by this explanation, calling it unacceptable.
Cheatle’s defense of the decision has been labeled insufficient and dangerous.
Criticism from former agent.
James Gagliano, a retired FBI agent, criticized the decision, emphasizing terrain adaptability.
“You just have to work with the terrain you’re presented with,” Gagliano asserted.
However, she remains firm in her position, taking responsibility but not resigning.
“The buck stops with me,” Cheatle stated, acknowledging the agency’s failure.
Apology and assurance.
“It was unacceptable and should never happen again,” she added.
Cheatle’s statement has done little to quell the outrage from the public and experts.
The Secret Service director faces mounting pressure as more details emerge.
Focus on future security.
Despite this, Cheatle is focused on future changes to Trump’s security detail.
“We are performing a review and enhancing our protocols,” she announced.
Public watching closely.
Questions about resource allocation, training, and decision-making are now front and center.
The Secret Service’s future, and Cheatle’s leadership, hang in the balance.
As Trump continues his campaign, all eyes will be on his security detail.