A year after an attempt to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally, a congressional investigation has delivered a damning indictment of the United States Secret Service. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released a report on Sunday highlighting “inexcusable” operational and intelligence failures that nearly cost Trump his life. While the shooter was ultimately killed by a government sniper, the inquiry found that layers of preventable mistakes led to the breach—mistakes that have yet to result in serious consequences for those responsible.
The July 13, 2024, attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, left Trump wounded and one bystander dead two others were injured before a sniper fatally shot the 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks. The committee’s report condemned the Secret Service’s lack of coordination, failure to act on credible threats, and insufficient aerial surveillance.
Committee chairman Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, said the incident was “a complete breakdown of security at every level—fueled by bureaucratic indifference.” He added that no one has been fired, despite the agency acknowledging the gravity of the failures.
The Secret Service admitted to communication lapses, human misjudgment, and technical faults. In response, the agency has begun reforms, including setting up a new aerial surveillance division and strengthening coordination with local law enforcement.
Six unnamed officers have been disciplined. Punishments included suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days and transfers to non-operational roles. But for the Senate committee, that is far from enough.
Trump, who had just returned from watching the FIFA Club World Cup final when he made fresh comments, called the experience “unforgettable.” In a Fox News interview with daughter-in-law Lara Trump, he praised the sniper who took down the gunman and said, “mistakes were made,” but he felt satisfied with the overall investigation.
On the anniversary of the shooting, Trump remarked, “God was protecting me,” though he admitted he tries not to dwell on the incident. “It’s a little bit of a dangerous profession being president,” he said.
The image of a bloodied Trump pumping his fist as he was rushed off the rally stage became a campaign-defining moment. His team capitalized on it to rally support, portraying him as a symbol of resilience and divine protection.
But the Senate report casts a darker shadow, reminding the public that political violence remains a threat—and that those tasked with preventing it must be held to the highest standards.
