New details about the security measures for former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 have surfaced, drawing criticism from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). Hawley alleges that the majority of agents tasked with protecting Trump were from Homeland Security and received only minimal and problematic training.
The training was conducted through a two-hour webinar that suffered from significant technical issues, including non-functioning audio and repeated video restarts. According to the whistleblower, this training left the agents inadequately prepared for their protective duties.
During the rally, Trump was targeted by Thomas Crooks, who fired from a rooftop, injuring Trump and two others, and killing retired fire chief Corey Comperatore. Hawley has expressed outrage over the lack of proper training and the decision to use these underprepared agents.
In response to these revelations, Hawley has demanded an explanation from Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe. There is growing concern that despite prior intelligence warnings of an Iranian threat, security measures were not sufficiently enhanced.
Further complicating the situation, initial reports incorrectly stated that a Secret Service sniper neutralized the threat. Recent investigations have clarified that it was actually a local SWAT operator who fired the critical shot that stopped Crooks.
