In a surprise development, the U.S. Secret Service has placed at least five agents on leave as part of the ongoing investigation into an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The investigation is related to the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, in which a gunman fired eight shots from a rooftop near Trump’s location, inflicting a minor wound to the former president’s ear.
The agents on leave include four members of the Pittsburgh field office, including the special agent in charge, as well as a member of Trump’s personal security staff. The Secret Service’s Internal Affairs Division is conducting the investigation, but it is not yet clear whether the leave is related to disciplinary action.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi did not confirm the layoffs but mentioned that the agency’s “Mission Assurance Review” is moving forward, examining the procedures and failures that led to the near-tragic event. He stressed that the agency requires the “highest professional standards” of its employees and that any violations of policy are thoroughly investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility, potentially leading to disciplinary action.
The assassination attempt not only endangered Trump, but also led to the tragic death of Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the scene. Two other spectators were seriously injured during the rally.
Adding to the furor was the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle just two weeks after the incident. Her resignation followed a tense testimony before Congress in which she faced sharp criticism over the agency’s failure to prevent the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the Secret Service’s handling of the assassination and the subsequent internal investigation are under scrutiny, raising questions about the agency’s practices and its effectiveness in protecting high-level figures.
