Secret Service vows cooperation after assassination attempt on Trump

Under mounting scrutiny for a significant security lapse, the US Secret Service on Monday committed to cooperating with an independent review following a shooting incident involving Donald Trump.

The 78-year-old former president was injured but survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, a brazen act that stunned a nation already deeply divided ahead of the November elections.

“The Secret Service is working with all involved Federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened, and how we can prevent an incident like this from ever taking place again,” the agency’s director, Kimberly Cheatle, said in a statement.

“We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully. We will also work with the appropriate Congressional committees on any oversight action,” Cheatle added.

The incident occurred as Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Multiple gunshots were heard, and Trump was seen clutching his ear, with blood visible on his ear and cheek, before ducking to the floor. Secret Service agents quickly swarmed the podium, surrounding him and rushing him to a nearby vehicle.

The shooter and a bystander were killed, and two spectators were injured in the attack.

In response, President Biden ordered a comprehensive review of security measures at the rally and this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump is expected to be confirmed as the party’s presidential nominee.

The Secret Service faces increasing criticism over how a gunman armed with an assault rifle was able to position himself on a roof approximately 500 feet (150 meters) away from one of the most heavily guarded political figures.

Questions intensified when phone footage emerged showing people spotting the gunman on the roof and attempting to warn security personnel before he opened fire.

With Trump set to appear at the convention on Monday, Cheatle indicated that the agency was working to bolster security for the event.

The Secret Service “designs operational security plans for National Special Security Events (NSSE) to be dynamic in order to respond to a kinetic security environment and the most up-to-date intelligence from our partners,” her statement said.

On Sunday, the Secret Service stated it was “fully prepared” for the convention.