US Secret Service speaks out about loopholes in Trump assassination attempt

Two FBI investigators inspect the scene where the attacker opened fire on former US President Donald Trump. Photo: Getty.

On July 13 (US time), Thomas Crooks (20 years old, Pennsylvania) fired three shots from a rifle, then was immediately shot down by US Secret Service snipers. Although former US President Donald Trump was only injured in his right ear, he was really in danger.

Accordingly, the US Secret Service is facing many questions related to their response to the failed assassination attempt on Mr. Trump.

Former President Trump suffered only a minor injury to his right ear, thanks to turning his head just in time when Crooks pulled the trigger. The first bullet grazed his ear, narrowly avoiding a fatal wound. Crooks’ next two shots missed their target, demonstrating poor shooting and loss of control under pressure.

Security expert John Cohen, a former official at the US Department of Homeland Security, said: "The Secret Service's quick response is commendable, but what is troubling is why they did not detect and stop the attacker sooner." The question is how a strange man with a rifle was able to get so close to the former President without being detected.

Kimberly Cheatle, director of the US Secret Service, said safety concerns prevented agents from going to the roof of the building where the assassin aimed his gun at former President Donald Trump.

"That building has a steep roof at its highest point. So safety was a consideration and we didn't want to put anyone on that steep roof. The decision was made to protect the building from the inside," Cheatle explained to ABC News.

Expert opinion

US snipers shot down a suspect in an attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump. Photo: WSJ.

According to RT, experts do not believe the truth in Ms. Cheatle's explanation. Joe Kent, a former US Army Special Forces officer and currently running for Congress, wondered why the Secret Service did not ensure security at the entrances to the building where the suspect opened fire.

"The Secret Service director said, 'Don't worry, we're not putting anyone on the roof because it could create a dangerous situation.' How dangerous? Like someone getting shot in the head?" said Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that Secret Service "failures" contributed to the assassination attempt, but he still expressed "100 percent confidence" in Ms. Cheatle.

Criticize the security team

Responding to a question about the fact that some witnesses saw the gunman's suspicious actions and alerted security forces before he opened fire on Mr. Trump, Ms. Cheatle said that there was "a very short period of time" to be able to respond.

"I don't have all the details yet but it was a very short period of time. Identifying the suspects, identifying them and ultimately neutralizing them all happened in a very short period of time and that situation was very difficult," Ms Cheatle added.

According to the Director of the US Secret Service, the US Secret Service is only responsible for protecting the inner perimeter, the area approaching Mr. Trump, while the building the suspect used to shoot Mr. Trump is the responsibility of the local police to protect.

"In this particular case, we had split support in securing that location and the Secret Service was responsible for the interior perimeter. Then we sought support from local forces for the exterior. There were local police in that building, there were local police in the area responsible for the exterior perimeter of the building," Cheatle added.

Politicians' reaction

An investigation is ongoing into how Crooks was able to get so close to Mr Trump without being detected. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and called for unity, stressing that violence has no place in politics.

Republican leaders also expressed concern and called for increased security for politicians, stressing that the attack was a reminder of the importance of protecting leaders from threats.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service in protecting politicians. While their quick response prevented more serious consequences, the failure to detect the attacker sooner has raised security concerns. Experts and politicians are calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of leaders in today's political climate.

NHAT DUY (According to RT)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/mat-vu-my-len-tieng-viec-lot-lo-hong-vu-am-sat-hut-ong-trump-20424071809520902.htm