Whistleblowers have come forward to expose critical deficiencies in the Secret Service's training and preparedness, particularly in their handling of security details for political candidates, including former President Donald Trump.

These revelations were made public following an assassination attempt targeting the former president during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the whistleblowers claim that Secret Service training is severely inadequate, raising questions about the agency's ability to protect high-profile figures like Trump, as Fox News reports.

According to these whistleblowers, the lack of sufficient training and preparedness for the Butler event was a major concern. They reported to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) that Secret Service personnel and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents reassigned to protective detail had received substandard training.

The training consisted of a two-hour Microsoft Teams webinar with pre-recorded videos that, according to the whistleblowers, had technical issues and were identical to previous years’ training materials.

Concerns Over Insufficient Training for Security Agents

The whistleblowers claimed that the pre-recorded training videos, intended to prepare agents for the high-pressure task of protecting political candidates, were marred by repeated technical problems. "Imagine 1,000 people logging onto Microsoft Teams at the same time after being informed at the last minute that everyone needed to login individually," one whistleblower stated in an account shared with Hawley.

The whistleblower went on to describe how the training videos had to be restarted six times due to technical glitches. "The content was not helpful," they added. This has raised concerns over whether such limited and ineffective training sessions are sufficient in preparing agents for the reality of protecting high-profile targets like Trump.

Whistleblowers Warn of Incompetent Security at Rally

The assassination attempt took place on July 13 during an outdoor rally. The whistleblowers reported that a would-be assassin, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to gain access to the rooftop of the AGR building, armed with an AR-15 rifle. His presence at the rally was a stark reminder of the need for vigilant security protocols, especially given the high stakes.

HSI agents who were tasked with providing additional security during the rally reportedly received only a PowerPoint presentation as their training. This minimal preparation further underscored the whistleblowers' concerns that agents were "woefully unprepared" for the real-world challenges they might face.

Whistleblowers Report Further Issues with Site Agent

In the aftermath of the rally, whistleblowers continued to communicate with Sen. Hawley’s office, highlighting more flaws in the security arrangements. They claimed that the lead site agent responsible for overseeing security was inexperienced and ineffective. Hawley revealed in an interview on Jesse Watters Primetime that the lead agent failed to enforce standard security protocols, such as checking IDs and ensuring the presence of properly trained Secret Service agents.

"Most of the agents there that day were not Secret Service agents," Hawley noted. "They were Homeland Security agents." The failure to properly staff the event with Secret Service personnel further highlighted the potential risks involved in providing adequate protection to high-profile individuals.

Technical Problems Exacerbate Security Gaps

One of the most concerning issues raised by the whistleblowers was the inadequacy of the technology used during the Secret Service's training. The technical difficulties encountered during the Microsoft Teams webinar, including the inability to get the audio working on the pre-recorded videos, reflected deeper concerns about the agency's preparedness.

"Nothing new, nothing improved since the assassination attempt on former President Trump," one whistleblower commented, highlighting the lack of changes in the agency's training procedures since the July 13 attempt. The whistleblower added that these repeated problems were symptomatic of a larger issue within the Secret Service’s protective training program.

Hawley Slams Security Failures

Hawley has been vocal about the inadequacies in the Secret Service’s handling of security for political figures, particularly in the context of the Trump rally assassination attempt. He stated that the revelations brought forward by the whistleblowers were alarming and pointed to a systemic problem in how the agency conducts its training.

"This is a nightmare, the only reason we know about this stuff is because of whistleblowers," Hawley said. His strong words reflected the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of insufficient training and preparation within the Secret Service.

Whistleblowers Continue to Raise Red Flags

The whistleblowers remain in contact with Hawley's office, continuing to share their concerns about the lack of proper training and preparedness. Their accounts of inadequate training sessions, technical malfunctions, and inexperienced site agents have painted a picture of an agency struggling to fulfill its core responsibilities.

These claims are particularly troubling in light of the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. With the perpetrator gaining access to a critical vantage point during a high-profile event, the potential consequences of these security gaps could have been catastrophic.

Conclusion: Concerns Persist About Secret Service Training

The recent revelations by whistleblowers about deficiencies in Secret Service training and preparedness have raised serious concerns about the agency's ability to protect high-profile political figures. From technical failures during critical training sessions to the alleged incompetence of key security personnel, these issues have come to light following an assassination attempt on former President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

While whistleblowers continue to inform Sen. Hawley's office of the ongoing problems, it remains to be seen whether these revelations will lead to meaningful reforms within the Secret Service. As the investigation into the July 13 incident continues, the need for improved security measures and more comprehensive training programs is clear.