Secret Service acknowledges that certain security measures for Trump were not implemented prior to assassination attempt

The Secret Service has admitted that some security modifications for former President Donald Trump were not provided ahead of the assassination attempt against him last Saturday. This admission comes after calls for an investigation into the agency’s handling of the incident, which left Trump injured and a bystander dead.

According to a statement from Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, the agency made modifications to ensure extra protection for Trump when specific specialized units or resources were not provided. These modifications could include utilizing state or local partners to provide specialized functions or identifying alternatives to reduce public exposure of a protectee.

It has been reported that the Trump campaign has been requesting additional Secret Service resources since the former president left office in 2021. The Secret Service’s decisions regarding Trump’s protection have come under scrutiny, prompting the agency to take additional measures to secure the former president.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed a bipartisan panel to conduct an independent review of the assassination attempt. The panel includes former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and other experts in homeland security.

The shooting incident, in which Trump was grazed by a bullet, has raised questions about the Secret Service’s handling of security at political rallies. Concerns have been raised about the agency’s response time and readiness, especially after new information emerged about the timeline of the shooting.

Republicans have called for Cheatle’s resignation, citing her failures in providing adequate security for Trump. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner described the Secret Service’s failures as “outrageous and incredible,” emphasizing the agency’s culpability if the former president had been killed.

Despite being injured in the assassination attempt, Trump has remained resilient, making public appearances and holding rallies. His son, Eric Trump, confirmed that the former president did not require stitches for his wound and is recovering well.

As investigations into the motive behind the shooting continue, the Secret Service faces mounting pressure to address its shortcomings and improve security measures for high-profile individuals like Donald Trump.

Article by: Pat Milton

Pat Milton, an award-winning journalist, is the senior producer of the CBS News Investigative Unit.