Panel Warns Of ‘Deep Flaws’ in Secret Service, Demands ‘Fundamental Reform’

An independent review panel has identified “deep flaws” within the Secret Service that contributed to the security lapse at the Trump campaign rally, where an assassination attempt took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The panel also urged the agency’s “fundamental reform” to ensure the effective protection of high-ranking government officials worldwide.

In a letter signed by all four panel members, the review highlighted “numerous mistakes” uncovered during the investigation of the attack on then-candidate Donald Trump. However, it also pointed to “deeper systemic issues that must be addressed with urgency.”

“The Secret Service as an agency requires fundamental reform to carry out its mission,” the panel emphasized. “Without that reform, the Independent Review Panel believes another Butler can and will happen again.”

The panel dedicated its report to Corey Comperatore, who lost his life in the attack, as well as to James Copenhaver and David Dutch, who sustained injuries, along with their families.

“These actions will be responsive not only to the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt but, importantly, to what the Independent Review Panel describes as systemic and foundational issues that underlie those failures,” the letter stated.

The group expressed “deeper concerns” about the Secret Service, citing a “troubling lack of critical thinking” among personnel in the days surrounding the assassination attempt. Other issues highlighted included “corrosive cultural attitudes” regarding resource allocation and a “lack of clarity” over who holds ultimate security authority at a protectee’s location.

The report also criticized Secret Service leadership for employing what the panel described as an “insufficiently experienced-based approach” in assigning agents to critical security roles. It also faulted the agency for failing to take full responsibility for security planning and execution at the Butler rally.

The security failures “reveal deep flaws in the Secret Service, including some that appear to be systemic or cultural,” the panel concluded.

To address these issues, the review recommended appointing new leadership with experience outside the agency and refocusing efforts on the Secret Service’s “core protective mission.”

“The Secret Service must be the world’s leading governmental protective organization,” the report asserted. “The events at Butler on July 13 demonstrate that, currently, it is not.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has nominated Sean Curran, the leader of his personal Secret Service security team, to take on the role of U.S. Secret Service director.

Curran, who was among the agents who swiftly moved to shield Trump during the assassination attempt on July 13, had already been expected to step into the position.

On Wednesday, Trump praised Curran’s appointment as an “honor” in a post on Truth Social.

“Sean is a Great Patriot, who has protected my family over the past few years, and that is why I trust him to lead the Brave Men and Women of the United States Secret Service,” the president wrote.

“He is a brilliant leader, who is capable of directing and leading operational security plans for some of the most complex Special Security Events in the History of our Country, and the World. He proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin’s bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania. I have complete and total confidence in Sean to make the United States Secret Service stronger than ever before,” Trump added.

Additionally, Trump announced on Wednesday night that he intends to nominate Andrew F. Puzder as the next U.S. ambassador to the European Union.