Secret Service Leaders Accused of Meddling in Assassination Probe

Leaders of the Secret Service have been accused of meddling in an independent government investigation into the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. This information was revealed through emails that were reviewed by RealClearPolitics and several sources within the Secret Service community. The emails suggest that the leaders are not adhering to many basic agency security protocols for presidential candidates, presidents, and vice presidents, especially in the final days leading up to the election.

Internal Communications Raise Concerns

Following the assassination attempt, Secret Service managers sent emails to employees, requesting them to notify them of any “direct requests for information or interview” from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG). The DHS OIG is conducting a probe into the failures that led to the near assassination of Trump, the killing of fireman Corey Comperatore, and the wounding of two other rally-goers at the western Pennsylvania campaign event. These emails, which had the subject line “DHS OIG Inquiries”, directed employees to inform their supervisors if an OIG official contacted them, so that the Secret Service managers could coordinate an “organized response”. The supervisors sent this email five days after the inspector general issued a negative report on the Secret Service’s actions prior to and on Jan. 6. The report criticized the agency for failing to detect a pipe bomb near Vice President Kamala Harris and not flagging signs of potential violence to other agencies.

Senate Scrutiny and Concerns

The email is now under scrutiny by the Senate. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a longtime champion of government whistleblowers, expressed concern that the email and other similar communications could have a “chilling effect” on employee disclosures to the inspector general’s office, as well as on congressional investigations. Grassley wrote a letter to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, stating that instead of trying to control the flow and context of information, Secret Service leaders should be encouraging employees to come forward with truthful information to the DHS OIG and Congress. This would help prevent future assassination attempts.

Security Shortcuts and Complaints

Secret Service agents have also voiced complaints about security shortcuts that agency leaders are allowing, sometimes requiring, to handle last-minute venue changes and adjustments to Trump’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign schedules. The agents argue that these shortcuts and changes have posed significant challenges to providing security for Trump, who is still facing known threats from foreign and domestic actors.

Alleged Deviations from Security Protocols

Secret Service sources argue that the security procedures have not only failed to improve since July 13 but have further deteriorated. The USSS workforce is reportedly communicating to their supervisors that they are providing inadequate security that fails to meet agency standards. However, the agency’s leaders are assuring everyone that they are doing fine.

Bottom Line

The allegations against the Secret Service leaders raise serious questions about the integrity of the agency and its commitment to ensuring the safety of the nation's leaders. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability within such crucial government institutions. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe the Secret Service leaders should be held accountable for their actions? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.