The more we uncover about the security failures at the Saturday rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, where an assassination attempt was made on former President Donald Trump, the more concerning it becomes. Revelations from whistleblowers to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Jim Jordan (R-OH), indicate that the Secret Service was stretched thin. They had just handled the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., and were also tasked with First Lady Jill Biden’s event in Pittsburgh, leaving them understaffed for Trump’s rally.
Further complicating the situation, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) disclosed that whistleblowers revealed most of the security detail for Trump’s event were not Secret Service agents but personnel from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Investigations unit. This raises serious questions about their training and readiness for such a high-stakes event involving a Secret Service protectee.
On Friday morning, Hawley posted on X, sharing a letter directed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In his post, Hawley stated, “Whistleblowers tell me that MOST of Trump’s security detail working the event last Saturday were not even Secret Service. DHS assigned unprepared and inexperienced personnel.” This alarming information prompted Hawley to establish a tip line for whistleblowers wishing to make protected disclosures.
BREAKING: Senator Josh Hawley says whistleblowers have come forward, alleges the Biden DHS assigned “unprepared and inexperienced personnel” to Trump who weren’t even Secret Service.
“Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to… pic.twitter.com/8sSXYmYWZx
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 19, 2024
In his letter to Secretary Mayorkas, Hawley elaborated on the whistleblower allegations, highlighting several critical lapses. The July 13 rally was reportedly deemed a “loose” security event. Detection canines were not used to monitor entry, unauthorized individuals accessed backstage areas, the security buffer around the podium was inadequately enforced, and personnel were not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s perimeter.
The whistleblowers also suggested that the majority of DHS officials present were from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) rather than trained Secret Service agents. This distinction is crucial, as HSI agents may lack familiarity with the standard protocols necessary for securing such events.
🚨🚨 Whistleblowers tell me that MOST of Trump’s security detail working the event last Saturday were not even Secret Service. DHS assigned unprepared and inexperienced personnel 👇 pic.twitter.com/eo4jNmJWFT
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) July 19, 2024
As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the DHS, Hawley expressed his commitment to investigating the department’s role in these security failures. He criticized the department for not being forthcoming, noting that an important call with the U.S. Secret Service was cut short before most senators could ask questions, a move he deemed unacceptable and contrary to the public’s interest in transparency.
Hawley has vowed to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of all whistleblowers contacting his office, ensuring they receive full legal protection. His letter to Mayorkas included a series of pointed questions about the handling of the event, demanding answers within seven days. The letter was also copied to U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.
