The U.S. Secret Service failed to monitor 102 radio transmissions during the July 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to a watchdog report released on Wednesday. The oversight led to critical communication breakdowns that could have compromised the response.
Inspector General Report Details Failures
The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General found that the Secret Service missed 102 radio calls during the event, including alerts about a suspicious person on the roof of a building near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The report stated that the missed transmissions were due to inadequate radio discipline and insufficient training.
"The Secret Service's failure to monitor these calls created a gap in situational awareness that hindered the protective operation," the report said. It also noted that agents did not follow established protocols for radio communication, leading to confusion and delays.
Secret Service Response
In a statement, the Secret Service said it concurred with the inspector general's recommendations. "We acknowledge the findings and have already begun implementing corrective measures to ensure such failures do not occur again," the statement read. The agency pledged to enhance training and upgrade communication equipment.
The assassination attempt occurred on July 13, 2024, when a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally, injuring the former president and killing one attendee. The shooter was neutralized by Secret Service countersnipers.
Impact and Ongoing Reforms
The missed radio calls have raised concerns about the Secret Service's operational readiness. The inspector general made 12 recommendations, including improved radio discipline, better coordination with local law enforcement, and more rigorous training simulations. The Secret Service has accepted all recommendations and is working to implement them by the end of 2026.
The incident has prompted a broader review of security protocols for high-profile political events. The report underscores the need for robust communication systems to prevent future lapses.
