Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino recently provided details on a significant security lapse during an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. During an interview with Donald Trump Jr. on the “Triggered” podcast, Bongino revealed that the rooftop where the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at Trump was supposed to be protected by law enforcement personnel. However, an unnamed source told Bongino that the post remained vacant for unknown reasons.
The incident occurred when Crooks fired a rifle from a rooftop approximately 130 yards away from Trump’s podium during a Saturday rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Security experts argue that this roof should not have been left unguarded, especially after several people, including local police and Secret Service agents, spotted the shooter before he began firing. Despite the clear line of sight, law enforcement officials did not react quickly to the situation, leading to Trump sustaining a minor bullet wound to his right ear.
Bongino criticized the agency’s statement claiming they added protective resources and technology as part of the increased campaign travel tempo. The former Secret Service agent emphasized that the agency failed to take responsibility for the incident, which left Trump exposed after numerous prior discoveries by onlookers and law enforcement personnel. Bongino also pointed out that the agency’s counter-sniper teams failed to engage Crooks before he fired his shots.
The Secret Service has denied reports claiming that Trump’s security detail requested reinforcements, which were then denied. However, Bongino insists he can provide evidence supporting these claims. He stated, “I can tell you actual quotes… there have been repeated requests to increase the security footprint, around not just the residences of Donald Trump, but the body itself. And they have been rebuffed.
In summary, Bongino described the event as an “apocalyptic security failure,” and urged that no one should view Trump’s survival as a victory. He emphasized that failures like this are not acceptable in any situation, and that there is a clear need for improvement within the agency to prevent future incidents of this nature.
