This week, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) sent a letter to United States Secret Service (USSS) Acting Director Ronald Rowe regarding the failures of his agency in protecting the life of a former President and current presidential candidate. Secret Service’s failure to properly secure the location resulted in the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life protecting his family, and critical injuries to two other rally-goers, David Dutch and James Copenhaver.
Public reporting indicates that USSS is in possession of a draft report by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) detailing USSS’s preparation for and response to events on January 6, 2021. The security failures from January 6, 2021, and July 13, 2024, raise concerns over the existence of a larger pattern of negligence on the part of the Secret Service.
Congressman Biggs’s letter demands that Acting Director Rowe provide the following information in furtherance of the House’s investigation into the Secret Service and the attempted assassination of President Trump:
- A summary of the findings of the draft DHS OIG report;
- A summary of the recommendations included in the DHS OIG report;
- What steps the Secret Service took to implement those recommendations ahead of the July 13, 2024, rally;
- What recommendations are still outstanding as of the time of the Secret Service’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee on July 22, 2024.
The letter requests that Acting Director Rowe provide this information by August 7, 2024.
“Secret Service’s security failures leading up to July 13, 2024, are unacceptable,” said Congressman Biggs.
“The allegations that Secret Service received a draft report of previous security failures from DHS OIG but might not have implemented changes are highly concerning. Agencies like Secret Service should constantly strive for maximum efficiency; failure is not an option.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues, including Representatives Cory Mills and Eli Crane who bring technical experience and expertise, in getting to the answers that Americans are seeking about the assassination attempt on President Trump.
“Congress will continue investigating the failures of USSS. I look forward to Acting Director Rowe’s cooperation.”
Fox News covered the letter here.
The letter may be read here.
