OPINION: How Congress Can Fix the Secret Service
As Congress convenes a bipartisan task force to investigate the security failures that led to the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, its mere existence should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant and proactive security measures.
Many elements contributed to the security breach, so many issues need to be addressed. Effective planning is the cornerstone of security and emergency preparedness. Venues need thorough risk evaluation, clear role definitions and proper resource allocation.
Tragically, the Trump rally in Pennsylvania exposed the inexcusable absence of overwatch from a nearby water tower and the rooftop where a gunman shot Trump and Corey Comperatore. The claim that a sloped roof was unsafe for law enforcement is absurd. The gunman used this roof to establish a stable shooting position. The gunman didn’t fall off after being shot, indicating the roof’s suitability for surveillance purposes.
The Secret Service’s inability to secure this critical location is perplexing and raises substantial concerns regarding risk-assessment protocols.
Each excuse about the heat, rooftop slope, inadequate staffing, etc., highlights a fundamental failure in preparation. Security officers and agents need hydration, rest from extreme temperatures and sufficient manpower.
The gunman used a range finder to gauge the distance to a target, which revealed a glaring flaw in the security screening processes. This type of gear, often used as binoculars, must be identified and flagged at future events. Additionally, overly stringent rules of engagement delayed the response until after the first shot. Strong rules of engagement are necessary but should never hinder the ability of agents to act promptly in high-threat situations.
Effective security depends on proper command and coordination. Centralized command, regrettably, slowed down an immediate response from on-the-ground personnel. Tips from rallygoers enabled law enforcement officers to identify the gunman earlier that day. However, they found themselves without instructions or were explicitly told to stand down, resulting in their inaction. Compounding the problem was the bystander effect, where individuals are less likely to intervene, assuming someone else will. This highlights critical issues within a centralized command structure: delays and inefficiencies proved fatal.
Decentralized command puts decision-making power in the hands of those on the ground, enabling quicker and more effective responses. FEMA advises having no more than five direct reports per supervisor to maintain a manageable span of control, ensuring decisions are timely and efficient. This potentially could have averted the delays that led to Comperatore’s death.
In military operations, decentralized command is often preferred because it allows small units to adapt swiftly to exploit vulnerabilities and adjust defensive positions as necessary. This flexibility is vital in high-stakes security situations.
After witnessing several events in 2018-2020 with a Secret Service presence, our team members saw a few things about standard Secret Service operating procedures that stand out. They used similar ID and screening procedures and technology as the TSA uses at airports, such as a portable walk-through metal detector, checking backpacks, bags and purses. Even water bottles branded for the venue of one event were not allowed to be left unattended. The agents showed strong teamwork, operating alongside several law enforcement agencies simultaneously. The deterioration of quality highlights the need for improved leadership and support systems.
The gaps in preparation, command and coordination at the Trump rally revealed significant security lapses. However, assigning fault alone will not fix the issues that allowed the gunman to take his shots. Proper preparation, decentralized command, and support for security personnel are essential to prevent such incidents. Also crucial is requiring transparency to foster greater ownership in security, law enforcement and secret service personnel in successes and failures.
The human cost when security falls apart is severe. Accountability and a commitment to best practices are necessary to ensure the safety and survival of high-profile individuals and the public. Immediate reforms would save people like Corey Comperatore, whose memory Congress and the Secret Service can honor by fixing these issues and working toward a safer future for all Americans.
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