Trump assassination attempt leads to Secret Service staff being placed on leave | World News
According to a source familiar with the decisions, certain Secret Service staff involved in protecting Donald Trump at the rally where he was shot have been placed on leave.
The individual responsible for the assassination attempt, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by the Secret Service during the incident that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
Following an internal investigation into the preparation for the rally, “multiple” officials have reportedly been put on leave.
As per a source quoted by NBC, those on leave include the Special Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh field office, which was responsible for coordinating the security plan with local police before the rally.
During the attack in Butler, the former president was shot in the ear and quickly taken off-stage by security personnel.
A spectator lost their life, and two others sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Read more:
How the assassination attempt unfolded
Trump’s statement on the shooting
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated: “The US Secret Service is actively investigating the decisions and actions of personnel regarding the event in Butler, Pennsylvania and the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.
“The US Secret Service’s mission assurance review is ongoing, examining the processes, procedures, and factors that led to this operational failure.”.
Mr Guglielmi also added: “The US Secret Service upholds the highest professional standards for our personnel, and any breaches of policy will be investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for potential disciplinary action.
“As this is a personnel issue, we are unable to provide further comment.”