Secret Service Agents Placed on Leave Following Trump Assassination Attempt

Following the attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life, at least five Secret Service agents have been reportedly placed on leave.

The Details: The agents are prohibited from performing protective or investigative work and will be on modified duty. The reshuffle includes the special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh field office and three agents from the same office, tasked with security planning for the former president's rally on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. One agent from Trump’s protective detail was also among those relocated.

For Context: The assassination attempt led to widespread criticism of the Secret Service and exposed significant security lapses, placing the agency under scrutiny. The security failure at the rally led to the resignation of Kim Cheatle, the Secret Service’s then-director. Congress is also investigating the security lapses.

Key Quote: Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi wouldn’t confirm the report but said the agency’s investigation is “progressing.” He added that “any identified and substantiated violations of policy will be investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for potential disciplinary action.”

How The Media Covered It: The New York Post (Lean Right bias) noted that on Friday, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said he spoke to a whistleblower who said Secret Service officials told agents facilitating the rally not to formally request extra security. Forbes (Center bias) also mentioned Congress’ investigation. The Guardian (Lean Left bias) credited RealClearPolitics (Center bias) for breaking the story. An editor wrote this summary with the help of AllSides AI.