A former Secret Service agent is calling for accountability after a 20-year-old would-be assassin was able to climb on top of a roof and fire shots at former President Donald Trump without being detected. Dan Bongino, who spent 12 years working in the Secret Service under President George W. Bush and President Obama, is demanding answers from the agency about the breach of security that left Trump injured.
Bongino, in an op-ed, pointed out three major issues plaguing the Secret Service that contributed to the near-assassination of one of the most high-profile public figures in the country. First, he noted the lack of manpower and security equipment, which left the agency vulnerable to attacks.
Second, Bongino blamed the agency’s failed leadership, accusing Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over the agency’s core mission. Bongino claimed that hiring based on quotas rather than qualifications has resulted in a lower quality of personnel and lower standards.
Third, Bongino criticized the politicization of the agency, arguing that it has compromised the Secret Service’s ability to remain neutral in its operations. A recent survey found that more than half of respondents believe the Secret Service is at fault for the attempted assassination and should be investigated.
Many are questioning how the sniper was able to get on the roof in the first place and why law enforcement was not guarding it despite its proximity to the former president. Cheatle has responded to the criticism, citing a “safety factor” in not placing police snipers on the sloped roof. However, Bongino and others are calling for accountability and demanding that Cheatle resign immediately.
