The U.S. Secret Service is nearing the completion of an internal investigation into the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe confirmed on Friday that the review, which examined the agency's security protocol during the incident, identified major lapses in communication and coordination, calling it a “mission failure," as the Washington Examiner reports.

The investigation revealed significant breakdowns in security that allowed the gunman to get close to Trump and open fire, resulting in one fatality and injuries to others, including the former president himself.

The shooting occurred during a rally at the Butler Farm Show venue, where suspected shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks took position on the roof of a nearby building and fired eight shots.

Tragically, Corey Comperatore, a rally attendee, was killed in the attack, while two others were seriously injured. Trump was struck by one bullet in the ear, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

Key Security Lapses Highlighted in Review

According to Rowe, the agency conducted a two-month “mission assurance investigation” that focused on the security lapses leading up to and during the incident.

The review indicated that local law enforcement and federal agencies were not fully integrated with the Secret Service team, resulting in a failure to share real-time updates. One critical oversight was the lack of perimeter protection around the AGR International building, where Crooks positioned himself to open fire.

Additionally, the Secret Service deployed an unmanned aerial system (UAS) to monitor the area, but the system malfunctioned. The malfunction may have prevented authorities from detecting Crooks before the shooting began.

“There were some technical difficulties experienced by the advance personnel with that system,” the Secret Service noted in its report. Had the UAS been functional, it is possible the gunman could have been spotted earlier.

Breakdowns In Communication Blamed for Security Failure

One of the main issues identified in the review was the failure of communication between local law enforcement and Secret Service personnel. Local authorities were not aware that the Secret Service would not receive updates from their radio communications in real-time. This communication gap delayed critical information sharing during the rally.

“The different radio frequencies used at the Butler Farm Show venue were not conducive for quickly sharing real-time information,” the review concluded. Rowe emphasized the importance of aligning communications more closely with operational demands, noting that all team members need to be on the same page from the beginning of the planning process.

Countersniper Team Arrived Late in Advance Week

Another significant lapse came from the delayed deployment of a countersniper team, which was not requested early enough, according to a whistleblower's account. The countersniper arrived “later during the advance week,” reducing the ability to assess potential threats effectively. Despite this, Rowe stated that no requested assets had been denied ahead of the rally.

Rowe also confirmed that the former Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned in the aftermath of the incident. Her resignation, though not explicitly connected to the shooting, followed increased scrutiny of the agency's handling of the situation.

Acting Director Calls For Paradigm Shift

In a press conference, Rowe described the shooting as a failure of the agency’s mission and stated that the Secret Service must take accountability for the errors made on July 13. “This was a failure on the part of the United States Secret Service,” Rowe said. He went on to stress that the agency must learn from these mistakes to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.

“The failures made clear that a shift in paradigm in how we conduct our protective operations is necessary,” Rowe added, acknowledging the need for more robust and aligned communication strategies. He also indicated that the Secret Service is one of the most robust protective agencies in the world but must evolve in response to this incident.

Investigation Moves to Accountability Phase

With the initial review nearly complete, the investigation has now entered an “accountability phase.” However, Rowe declined to comment on specific penalties or disciplinary actions for Secret Service personnel involved. He reiterated that the agency was focused on identifying systemic issues and improving protocols.

The Secret Service emphasized that all members of the protective team must be present for initial security meetings to ensure better coordination and “nuanced conversations and planning” in future operations. This recommendation is part of a broader set of changes the agency is considering in light of the attack.

Conclusion: Addressing Security Failures and Moving Forward

The assassination attempt on former President Trump has prompted an in-depth evaluation of Secret Service protocols, especially regarding communication and coordination with local law enforcement. Acting Director Rowe has described the event as a “mission failure,” signaling the need for changes in how the agency conducts its protective operations.

The July 13 rally shooting, which left one dead and two others injured, including Trump, has forced the agency to reconsider how it handles security during high-profile events. The Secret Service is now in the process of holding its staff accountable for these errors, as the investigation enters its final stages.