Six Secret Service Agents Suspended Over Security Failures in Trump Assassination Attempt

Six United States Secret Service agents have been suspended without pay over security failures related to last year’s assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Secret Service announced the disciplinary action on the first anniversary of the July 13, 2024, incident, in which a gunman opened fire from a rooftop, injuring Trump and killing one attendee before being shot by counter-snipers. Trump was grazed by a bullet but was able to continue his campaign activities following treatment.

The suspended agents received unpaid suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days and were removed from operational roles during the internal investigation. The agency did not publicly identify the agents but stated the accountability measures reflect the seriousness of the security lapses.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving its procedures to prevent similar incidents, noting that several operational and procedural reforms have already been implemented.

The Secret Service has stated that additional steps will be taken to strengthen advance security measures and communication protocols to protect high-profile events in the future.

With input from Al Jazeera