Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) has stated he is not concerned about the Secret Service’s massive failures running up to and during the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, grazing Trump’s ear, killing one supporter, and injuring two others.
Footage from the event shows the chaos as shots were fired, with Secret Service agents responding and eventually helping Trump to his feet, who then gave a fist pump before being escorted off stage.
Despite the severity of the attack, Casey downplayed concerns about the Secret Service’s effectiveness. When asked about the agency’s ability to protect candidates, Casey said, “Well, I’m not concerned that they don’t have the expertise and the resources, and if they need more resources, then they should come to us.”
The Secret Service has faced criticism following revelations that they identified Crooks as a potential threat 10 minutes before Trump took the stage but did not secure a roof they had previously flagged as a security risk. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explained the roof was not manned because it was sloped.
Crooks also reportedly flew a drone over the rally area shortly before the attack, raising further questions about security lapses. Despite these issues, there has been no detailed explanation from the Secret Service nearly a week after the incident.
Conservative commentators have been critical, suggesting a double standard in the response to security threats against political figures. They argue that an attack on a Democrat president would have prompted a more significant outcry and calls for immediate action.
Adding to the controversy, earlier this year, Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson proposed removing Secret Service protection from Trump if he were imprisoned following what many conservatives view as politically motivated charges. This proposal has heightened fears among Trump supporters of a targeted campaign against him.
Donald Trump Jr. has echoed these concerns, suggesting that some on the radical left not only want to see his father imprisoned but dead. His comments reflect the intense emotions and fears surrounding the former president’s safety.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday to address the recent security failures and discuss the agency’s preparedness in protecting high-profile political figures. As the investigation continues, the scrutiny on the Secret Service’s actions and decisions remains intense.
