Whistleblowers are raising alarms over security practices at former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, citing a lack of Secret Service personnel among the protection detail.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) publicly addressed these claims about the Secret Service in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Friday, expressing concern about the staffing of Trump's detail at the event, as Fox News reports.

The lawmaker has brought forward allegations made by whistleblowers from the Department of Homeland Security.

These whistleblowers claimed that significant security oversights occurred at Trump's rally on July 13. According to Hawley, most of the security personnel deployed were not Secret Service agents, as would typically be expected.

Security Lapses Alleged at Trump Rally

According to the whistleblowers, a series of lapses characterized the rally. Detection canines, which are usually employed to monitor entry points and detect potential threats, were not present. Additionally, individuals lacking proper designations managed to gain backstage access, casting doubt on the security measures in place.

Hawley detailed these concerns in his letter to Mayorkas, remarking on the 'loose' security observed at the event. This extended to a situation where the security buffer zone around the podium was inadequately enforced and personnel around the perimeter were visibly lacking.

HSI Agents Replacing Secret Service Personnel

The whistleblower allegations further suggested that the majority of the security personnel were not from the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) but from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Hawley pointed out that HSI agents, who are normally involved in investigating criminal offenses rather than protective services, were reportedly uncomfortable with the protocols for such high-profile events.

Concerns were not only limited to onsite security but also extended to the overall preparedness and coordination among the agencies involved. The limited information disclosed by the DHS to Congress has only exacerbated these concerns, culminating in a strained briefing session.

Briefing Session Yields Few Answers

A briefing held earlier in the week by the Secret Service was criticized by several senators, including Sen. Ron Johnson, who described it as "virtually no information". According to Johnson, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged some errors but did not provide adequate details.

Johnson’s criticism highlighted that only four senators had the opportunity to ask questions, and there was no provision for follow-up. This has contributed to a lack of clarity regarding the events at the rally and left key questions unanswered.

The situation has raised considerable alarms among Senate officials, especially in light of recent assassination threats aimed at former President Trump. These allegations have paved the way for a deeper inquiry into the protocols and practices of those responsible for security at high-profile political events.

Hawley Demands Answers in Public Letter

In his letter, Hawley explicitly asked Secretary Mayorkas to clarify the ratio of Secret Service agents to HSI agents present that day. He further questioned if pre-rally security investigations were conducted as per the standard procedures.

"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," Hawley wrote. He emphasized concerns over the absence of detection canines and unauthorized access to restricted areas.

Hawley also highlighted the most troubling aspect: the majority of DHS officials at the rally reportedly being HSI agents. "This is especially concerning given that HSI agents were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically used at these types of events," Hawley noted.

Senators Frustrated Over Lack of Transparency

Sen. Ron Johnson further expressed his frustration over the lack of transparency during the Secret Service briefing. "The director of the Secret Service did admit there were mistakes and gaffes," Johnson noted. Yet, he described the overall briefing as "largely irrelevant."

The frustration was compounded by the fact that the call was cut off before other senators could ask their questions, leaving many aspects of the security arrangements unaddressed. The limited nature of this engagement has only fueled more inquiries and criticism.

Call for Comprehensive Review of Security Practices

As the public letter from Sen. Hawley underscores these vital security concerns, there are calls for a thorough review of the security practices employed not only at the Butler rally but at future high-profile events. The emphasis is on ensuring that those in charge of security have the necessary expertise and adherence to established protocols.

Given the potential risks associated with inadequate security measures, the stakes are high. The protection detail for a former president is of utmost importance, especially in the face of credible threats.