December 07, 2024

Shouting Match Erupts During House Panel Hearing on Trump Assassination Attempts

A heated exchange broke out Thursday during the House task force's final hearing on Secret Service lapses during two assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump over the summer. The tense confrontation unfolded as Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe testified before the panel.

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, displayed a photo of Rowe at a 9/11 memorial alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and Trump, accusing him of displacing an agent responsible for security. Fallon charged Rowe with "auditioning for this job," prompting a sharp rebuke.

"Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes!" Rowe shouted in response. Fallon shot back, "You were there because you wanted visibility."

Rowe, visibly emotional, defended himself, stating, "I actually responded to Ground Zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center... to show respect for a Secret Service member that died on 9/11. You are out of line, congressman. Way out of line."

The contentious exchange underscored concerns from some agents who privately criticized Rowe's proximity to high-ranking officials at the memorial, fearing it might compromise operational clarity in an emergency.

Security Failures and Disciplinary Actions

In his opening remarks, Rowe acknowledged "failures by multiple employees" that required disciplinary measures. He detailed steps the agency has taken to strengthen its security protocols.

The task force, chaired by Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., has been investigating the assassination attempts, including the July 13 incident at a Butler, Pa., campaign rally where Trump was grazed by a bullet. The shooter, who also killed a rally attendee, was fatally shot on-site.

In a second incident on Sept. 15, Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel in bushes near Trump's Florida golf course, leading to an arrest.

The House panel, consisting of seven Republicans and six Democrats, is preparing its final report with recommendations to improve security and prevent future attacks. The interim report released in October concluded the July attempt was "preventable," citing communication breakdowns that allowed the shooter to gain rooftop access undetected.

Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who led the agency during the attacks, resigned amid scrutiny. Rowe, appearing for the first time before the task force, pledged to restore trust and ensure the agency's failings are addressed.

Rep. Kelly commended the Secret Service for its cooperation, noting the agency provided access to all employees requested by the panel. "They chose a path of cooperation in pursuit of the truth," Kelly said.

The final report is expected in the coming weeks as the bipartisan panel wraps up its investigation into the unprecedented threats against Trump.

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