by Sharon Rondeau
(Jul. 30, 2024) — During a hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees Tuesday at approximately 12:07 p.m. EDT, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) asked Acting Secret Service Ronald L. Rowe, Jr. if he knew the identity of the agent who made the decision not to include the AGR building in the security perimeter in Butler, PA on July 13, 2024.
From the building’s roof, a 20-year-old would-be assassin fired eight shots that day at former president Donald J. Trump, missing him only because Trump turned his head to the right as he detailed immigration data displayed on a screen behind him.
Rowe responded in the affirmative but declined to proffer the name or position of the individual given that, Rowe said, he is still at his post carrying out his normal duties.
Hawley responded by asking why the person has not been fired.
Rowe replied the “investigation” he is conducting into the security failures that day must “play out” before he can make a decision as to whether or not the specific person or any others should be terminated.
A brief fiery exchange ensued, with Hawley expressing incredulity that to date, no one has been held “accountable” for the lapses culminating in the death of one rally attendee, serious injuries of two others, and an injury to Trump’s right ear clearly intended for his brain.
The tense moment was followed by another between Rowe and Sen. Ted Cruz, who demanded to know who at the agency reportedly denied additional protection to the “Trump campaign” and to that of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. prior to the events of July 13.
As Cruz recounted, Kennedy’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and father, Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., were assassinated.
On July 16, the Biden White House announced that Kennedy would be provided Secret Service protection.
In his opening remarks, Rowe acknowledged feeling “ashamed” that the roof of the AGR building “was not better secured.”
Rowe acknowledged to Cruz that prior to the assassination attempt, the Secret Service did not always have the “resources” the Trump team requested and any gaps were filled by local and other law enforcers.
Rowe enumerated a number of individuals responsible for making decisions about protective details.
Cruz decried the “bureaucracy” he perceived Rowe was describing, a characterization Rowe promptly denied.
Cruz pressed on, demanding to know if the security detail protecting Trump in Butler was equivalent in size to those protecting Joe Biden. Rowe said they are.
He also asserted the Secret Service is not “political.”
Having begun at 10:00 a.m., the hearing can be viewed here.