Secret Service Criticized After Trump Assassination Attempt

The U.S. Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny following a botched assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. A young gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to fire shots at Trump, grazing him, while inadvertently killing a firefighter and injuring others. Security experts and lawmakers have criticized the agency for failing to station officers in strategic locations, such as a nearby warehouse roof, and for not utilizing available drone technology for surveillance. The agency's director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned after bipartisan condemnation regarding her inadequate response during the incident. The Senate has raised concerns about the Secret Service's operational protocols and overall effectiveness, particularly in light of this incident and a subsequent security breach at the Watergate Hotel involving protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The series of failures underscores the urgent need for reform within the Secret Service.