New Director WRECKED by Senate Committee HIGHLIGHTS

Senators tore into the new Acting Director of the Secret Service during testimony examing the aftermath of Butler, PA.

In this report:

The Senate Committee recently grilled the new acting director of the Secret Service, Ronald Rowe, over the agency’s failures during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One critical moment involved a display showing the shooter’s position, marked by a gold arrow. The question was why the assailant was not spotted sooner. Rowe suggested that local cops were to blame, sparking further controversy.

Use of Encrypted Communications

During the hearing, questions arose about the Secret Service’s use of encrypted communications. Rowe confirmed that while encrypted channels are used during events, the radio traffic from Butler was not recorded. This lack of documentation raised concerns about the agency’s operational protocols and transparency.

Senate Committee’s Intense Scrutiny

Senators were unrelenting in their questioning, often interrupting Rowe to demand direct answers. They expressed frustration over his perceived evasiveness. The committee highlighted that Rowe might be worse than the previous director, Kimberly Cheatle, who left without addressing many issues. Rowe’s testimony suggested a continuation of problematic practices under his leadership.

Ronald Rowe’s Testimony

In his opening statement, Rowe admitted to significant failures in the Secret Service’s protection plans. He recounted his visit to the Butler Farm Show Site, where he personally assessed the roof from which the shooter fired. He admitted shame and disappointment in the security failures, promising comprehensive reviews and enhancements to prevent similar lapses in the future. Rowe outlined steps to improve site security, including the expanded use of unmanned aerial systems and better communication with state and local partners.

Accountability and Internal Investigations

Rowe’s commitment to accountability included an internal review by the Secret Service’s Office of Professional Responsibility. However, this self-investigation drew skepticism from the committee and the public. Critics argue that internal reviews often lack transparency and fail to deliver meaningful consequences.

Chuck Grassley’s Line of Questioning

Senator Chuck Grassley questioned the deviation from standard security protocols at the Butler event. He emphasized the importance of thorough vetting by experienced supervisors. Grassley also pressed Rowe on the agency’s communication failures, highlighting the delay in deploying a counter-unmanned aerial system due to cellular bandwidth problems. Rowe acknowledged these issues and promised improvements.

Local Law Enforcement’s Role

A significant point of contention was the role of local law enforcement. Rowe presented photos to illustrate the shooter’s vantage point and criticized local officers for not spotting the assailant. This blame-shifting angered many, as it seemed the Secret Service was deflecting responsibility. Rowe’s assertion that local law enforcement had a plan, which they failed to execute, did not sit well with the committee.

Senator Ron Johnson’s Frustration

Senator Ron Johnson expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and timely information from the Secret Service. He highlighted the importance of recorded communications and thorough interviews with all involved personnel. Johnson’s questioning underscored the need for better oversight and accountability within the agency.

Senator Josh Hawley’s Aggressive Approach

Senator Josh Hawley took an aggressive stance, questioning the decision-making process that left the AGR building outside the security perimeter. He demanded to know why those responsible for these decisions had not been relieved of duty. Rowe’s responses, which often involved deferring to ongoing investigations, did not satisfy Hawley, who pushed for immediate accountability.

Senator Ted Cruz’s Sharp Critique

Senator Ted Cruz sharply criticized the Secret Service for denying additional security resources requested by Trump’s team. He referenced media reports and whistleblower accounts suggesting political bias within the agency’s leadership. Cruz’s questioning aimed to uncover whether partisan decisions influenced the level of protection provided to Trump compared to other officials.

Conclusion

The Senate committee hearing underscored the urgent need for accountability and transparency within the Secret Service. The Senators’ relentless questioning revealed significant gaps in the agency’s protocols and decision-making processes. Rowe’s attempts to deflect blame and provide vague answers only heightened concerns about the Secret Service’s ability to protect its principals effectively. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for the agency to address these issues and restore public confidence in its operations.