Serious Failures by Secret Service Shown in Report on Trump Assassination Attempt

Two oversight reports released on July 2, 2026, suggest the U.S. Secret Service could have prevented the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. The reports highlight serious failures and a lack of coordination within the agency, contradicting earlier findings about the incident.

The reports confirm previous conclusions regarding the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. During a campaign rally, then-presidential candidate Trump was wounded in the ear by a shooter, and a spectator was killed before the assailant was neutralized by a police sniper. According to the findings, the attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was spotted on a rooftop with a rifle approximately two minutes before opening fire on Trump, but presidential security received no timely warning.

The Secret Service stated it has already taken corrective actions addressing the issues raised by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. The agency asserts it is now a stronger and more capable service than it was in 2024, citing institutional reforms and investments in technology and personnel.

The Office of Inspector General's report identified several failures: the Secret Service did not detect a drone used by the assailant for surveillance due to inadequate training and technical malfunction; agents around Trump were not warned about Crooks having a long gun and being on a roof because of a lack of communication with local authorities; the area outside the event perimeter was not secured despite a warning from state police; and available means were not used to block the assailant's line of sight to Trump. The report concluded that a general lack of policies and procedures, combined with limited information exchange and insufficient cooperation with local authorities, created conditions that led to the attack's failure to be prevented.

A second report identified understaffing as a major issue, with the agency operating at an average deficit of 21.4% for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Agents logged 1.2 million hours of overtime, working consecutive shifts with minimal rest, contributing to burnout and departures. The Secret Service emphasizes its prioritization of staff retention and training, alongside a simplified hiring process, now averaging 326 days for special agents and 256 days for uniformed officers.