Majority Of Trump's Rally Detail Not from Secret Service, Says Sen. Josh Hawley

Recent whistleblowers have unveiled worrying security shortcomings at a recent former President Donald Trump rally, revealing a surprising lack of U.S. Secret Service agents on scene.

Allegations emphasized in a public penned by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) have raised concerns about potential security breaches during the Trump rally, as Fox News reports.

On July 13, a rally supporting the former president took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it has now come under scrutiny. Whistleblowers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed their concerns regarding the security measures, or the lack thereof, that were implemented during the event.

Detailed Concerns About Security Measures Exposed

Hawley has taken a central role in bringing these allegations to light by addressing a detailed letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. In his communication, Hawley outlined several key security lapses reported by the whistleblowers.

According to the whistleblowers' reports, the rally suffered from "loose" security arrangements including a scarcity of detection canines and unauthorized access to areas typically restricted, such as backstage. Moreover, there was a notable lack of personnel monitoring the security perimeter and the buffer zone around the podium was inadequately enforced.

Unusual Composition of the Security Team

One of the more startling revelations from the whistleblowers was the composition of the security detail at the rally. It has been disclosed that the majority of personnel providing security were not agents from the U.S. Secret Service, as might be expected at such high-profile events, but rather members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

These HSI agents were reportedly unfamiliar with the standard security protocols that are commonly enforced during such public and politically sensitive gatherings, raising questions about the effectiveness of the security measures in place.

Congressional Concerns Over DHS Communication

Hawley criticized the DHS for its lack of transparency with Congress regarding the incident, particularly noting that a briefing call with the U.S. Secret Service was abruptly concluded before most senators, including himself, could ask their questions.

Adding to the concerns, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin shared his experience from a Secret Service briefing, which he found to be inadequate. "The director of the Secret Service did admit there were mistakes and gaffes. But the briefing, which was given by a separate official, was largely irrelevant," Johnson noted, underscoring the frustration felt by many lawmakers.

Lack of Adequate Information and Response Criticized

The whistleblowers' allegations have ignited a series of questions about the standard of security provided at events involving high-profile political figures like former President Trump. These allegations suggest a potentially concerning gap in protocol adherence and operational security which could have severe safety implications.

"Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a 'loose' security event," stated Hawley, emphasizing the seriousness of the claims.

"Whistleblower allegations suggest the majority of DHS officials were not USSS agents but instead drawn from the department's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This is especially concerning given that HSI agents were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically used at these types of events," he added.

Rally's Security Lapses Highlight Broader Issues

The issues raised by the whistleblowers and the senators involved paint a troubling picture of what may have been a compromised security setup at a critical time. This incident highlights the need for stringent security protocols and proper personnel training to manage the safety of public figures and attendees at such events.

In summary, the whistleblowers' revelations suggest a series of lapses in security planning and execution, including the use of personnel unfamiliar with necessary protocols at a political rally. This incident has sparked a broader debate about the security measures and transparency needed in managing public political events.