Secret Service shifts blame to local police for not securing Trump rally surroundings

The Secret Service said local police were supposed to secure the rooftop from which gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

The federal agency noted the area was outside its designated perimeter for protection.

Local Pennsylvania police officers were responsible for securing and patrolling the factory grounds of American Glass Research, situated approximately 130 yards from where Trump spoke on Saturday, Secret Service representative Anthony Guglielmi said, according to the New York Times.

The Secret Service was assigned to oversee the area where Trump’s rally was held, while local police were brought in to support those efforts and ensure security outside the rally site.

Additionally, CNN reported that one of two local counter-sniper teams was supposed to cover the building where the gunman was positioned.

Neighbors living near Butler Farm Show Grounds claimed they never received visits from any law enforcement agencies, local or federal, in the days before or during the rally despite expecting such security measures as part of the operation, according to the New York Post.

The Secret Service said that relying on local law enforcement for support is a common practice when managing event security.

At least six officers from Butler County tactical units were included in the Secret Service’s counterassault team, which initially consisted of only two Secret Service members.

Additionally, the Secret Service’s two sniper teams were supported by two local sniper teams.

While Pennsylvania police confirmed officers assisted the Secret Service, stating it is routine when hosting high-profile government officials in town, they also emphasized that the federal agency ultimately oversees operations.

“The Secret Service always has the lead on securing something like this,” Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said.

“We work with them to provide whatever is requested by the Secret Service, but they’re the lead in that security,” he added.

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Calls for an investigation into the Secret Service and the events that nearly resulted in Trump’s assassination emerged shortly after the shooting.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced plans to summon Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a July 22 hearing.