Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. Announces Changes
WASHINGTON — Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. touted multiple changes and improvements on Thursday to his agency in the wake of two assassination attempts against Donald Trump earlier this year. Rowe testified before the bipartisan congressional task force investigating the two separate attempts on the now president-elect’s life. The hearing wrapped up the task force’s months-long probe, and members voted unanimously to release the panel’s final report — although a screaming match that erupted between Rowe and a Texas congressman also showed some underlying tensions.
The Secret Service, which is housed within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been under intense scrutiny after a gunman opened fire at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, striking Trump’s ear, killing one person and wounding two others. The gunman was killed at the scene.
Authorities then investigated a second apparent assassination attempt against Trump just two months later near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Agency Improvements and Responses
The July shooting prompted a slew of federal investigations and the creation of the task force, which expanded its focus following the Florida incident. Rowe — who quickly stepped into the temporary post in July after Kimberly Cheatle resigned as director — again acknowledged the agency’s “failure” to “adequately secure the Butler Farm Show site and protect President-elect Trump.”
“That abject failure underscored critical gaps in Secret Service operations, and I recognize that we did not meet the expectations of the American public, Congress and our protectees, and they rightly have that idea based on how we performed,” he said.
Hearing Raises Tensions
At one point, the hearing escalated into a screaming match between Rowe and Texas GOP Rep. Pat Fallon when he questioned Rowe’s position during a 9/11 memorial ceremony.
Fallon brought in a large image of Rowe standing behind President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump, Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance and other leaders. Rowe defended his presence and explained, “Actually, congressman, what you’re not seeing is the SAC of the detail out of the picture’s view.”
Tempers flared as Fallon accused Rowe of “auditioning for this job” while Rowe asserted that his presence did not affect protective operations.
Trump has yet to disclose whom he wants to run the agency, which is not subject to Senate confirmation, although some members of Congress want to change that.
Last updated 1:57 p.m., Dec. 6, 2024.
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