In a significant development, six U.S. Secret Service agents have been suspended due to their conduct related to the assassination attempt on President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year. This information was first reported by ABC News on Wednesday.
According to USSS Deputy Director Matt Quinn, these personnel were placed on leave due to operational failures associated with the shooting incident that occurred on July 13, 2024. The duration of the suspensions varied, ranging from 10 to 42 days, as the agents were disciplined in accordance with a federally mandated process. Quinn emphasized, “We aren't going to fire our way out of this,” highlighting the agency's commitment to addressing the underlying issues.
Upon their return, the suspended agents were assigned to restricted duty or given roles with reduced operational responsibilities. Quinn stated, “We're going to focus on the root cause and fix the deficiencies that put us in that situation,” reiterating the agency's accountability for the operational failures that transpired in Butler. He added, “Butler was an operational failure, and we are focused today on ensuring that it never happens again.”
The fallout from the Butler incident has also led to significant leadership changes within the Secret Service. Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her position as Secret Service director amid increasing bipartisan criticism and calls for her resignation following the shooting at the Trump rally, which she labeled as the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades.
A bipartisan congressional task force report concluded that the shooting was preventable and should not have occurred. However, it also noted that the Secret Service's response to a subsequent assassination attempt against Trump in September 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida, showcased the effectiveness of properly executed protective measures in thwarting an attempted assassination.
In light of the alarming security lapses during the Butler rally, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), a member of the House Oversight Committee, remarked, “Given the shocking security failures that day, this is the absolute bare minimum.”
As of Wednesday evening, representatives for the U.S. Secret Service had not immediately responded to Axios' inquiries regarding the suspensions and the ongoing investigation.
As the Secret Service navigates these challenges, Trump continues to seek answers concerning the assassination attempts on his life. The agency's focus on accountability and corrective measures is vital for restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals in the future.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
