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Monday, December 23, 2024

Hawley urges suspension of Secret Service Agent over Butler rally claims

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U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called for the suspension of a lead site agent following new whistleblower allegations regarding security lapses at a rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. In a letter to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, Hawley highlighted concerns about the agent's competence and failure to implement appropriate security protocols.

"New whistleblower allegations to my office directly question decisions made by Secret Service’s lead site agent principally responsible for securing the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania," wrote Senator Hawley. "This is especially alarming because during your testimony on July 30, you stated that this agent was 'still operational [...] They’re still doing protective visits.' Your refusal to hold this individual accountable is increasingly inexplicable [...] I urge you to suspend the lead site agent from all Secret Service duties immediately while these claims are investigated."

Senator Hawley, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, has been investigating the attempted assassination of former President Trump and has visited the Butler site. He has publicized multiple whistleblower allegations concerning loose security at the Trump rally, abandoned posts on the roof where the shooter was located, and scaled-back security due to decisions made by Acting Director Rowe. Whistleblowers with information are encouraged to contact Senator Hawley's office.

On July 30, during a Senate hearing, Senator Hawley questioned Acting Director Rowe about details brought forward by a whistleblower. The Acting Director confirmed that local law enforcement drones were refused by the Secret Service.

The full letter from Senator Hawley includes detailed questions and requests for further information about decisions made regarding security measures at the rally:

August 5, 2024

The Honorable Ronald L. Rowe, Jr.

Acting Director

U.S. Secret Service

245 Murray Ln SW, Building T-5

Washington, D.C. 20223

Dear Acting Director Rowe:

New whistleblower allegations to my office directly question decisions made by Secret Service’s lead site agent principally responsible for securing the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. These allegations suggest that the lead site agent failed to implement appropriate security protocols. This is especially alarming because during your testimony on July 30, you stated that this agent was “still operational…They’re still doing protective visits.” Your refusal to hold this individual accountable is increasingly inexplicable.

One whistleblower with direct knowledge of the event alleges to my office that this lead site agent was well-known in campaign circles as lacking competence and experience in the role. This specific allegation follows similar public reports that this agent was “new” to the local field office and had “relatively little experience.” The whistleblower further alleges that this individual was specifically responsible for line-of-sight concerns as part of securing the site.

A separate whistleblower has disclosed to my office that the lead site agent personally made decisions that likely compromised overall event security. First, campaign material such as flags were permitted around the stage and catwalk used by former President Trump despite typically being prohibited due to line-of-sight issues for threat identification agents. Second, IDs were not checked when issuing credentials authorizing access to restricted areas contrary to standard practice. Thirdly, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents reportedly informed campaign officials they had never staffed a rally before and did not know proper procedures—staffing decisions attributed by another whistleblower as being under this lead agent's responsibility.

These allegations raise serious questions about this individual's conduct—someone you have so far refused to hold accountable. On July 30th you said you will not "put your thumb on scale," but continuing assignments for protective visits amidst serious incompetence allegations jeopardizes protectee security.

I urge immediate suspension of all duties for this lead site agent pending investigation completion while clarifying answers urgently within seven days:

Who specifically assigned this lead site agent? What basis justified it?

Were stage/catwalk obstructions evaluated against protection impact?

Why were credential pins issued without ID verification?

How do you plan accountability measures towards involved personnel?

Please provide personnel files alongside responsive records tied directly towards handling aspects involving said eventful date(s).

Sincerely,

Josh Hawley

United States Senator

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