An attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump over the weekend at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has ignited fierce criticism of U.S. security agencies.

Blackwater founder Erik Prince criticized the U.S. Secret Service and other security agencies for their inability to prevent an assailant from nearly killing Trump, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The incident unfolded in Butler, where Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to get within 150 yards of Trump. The shooter fired shots, with one bullet grazing Trump's ear, which could have been fatal if not for a miscalculation.

Erik Prince, brother of former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, vehemently condemned the actions of the Secret Service. He pointed out the numerous lapses that allowed the shooter to get close enough to the former president. Prince highlighted several failures, including the counter-sniper’s hesitation and poor coordination among security teams. These issues, he said, left Trump dangerously exposed during the chaotic evacuation.

Critical Failures in Security During Rally

Prince demanded accountability from the Secret Service, urging a shift towards merit-based hiring and leadership within security agencies. He stated that the attempted assassination in Butler should serve as a wake-up call. Following the incident, President Joe Biden has ordered a thorough review of security measures, particularly for the upcoming Republican National Convention. An independent review of the rally's security has also been launched.

The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers are advocating for transparency and a full investigation into the incident.

Witnesses and Immediate Response

An Associated Press report revealed that rallygoers had seen the suspect climbing to the roof of a nearby building. They promptly alerted local law enforcement about the potential threat.

A law enforcement officer on the scene identified the suspect. Crooks pointed his rifle at the officer before firing shots towards Trump, leading to a swift response from Secret Service counter-snipers. Four counter-sniper teams were reportedly present: two from the Secret Service and two from local law enforcement. Despite their presence, the shooter managed to get dangerously close.

Investigations and Security Protocols

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle was absent at the time of the shooting, being in Milwaukee. The shots were fired from a vantage point located at the “three o’clock” position of Trump’s podium, approximately 150 meters away.

After the incident, the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was found dead on the roof of an American Glass Research building. The Secret Service confirmed Crooks, a 20-year-old, was killed by agents after initiating the attack.

The incident resulted in Trump sustaining minor injuries. Tragically, a bystander also lost their life during the shooting.

Concerns Over Security Adequacy

Law enforcement agencies are now examining how Crooks accessed the rooftop and managed to evade existing security measures. This breach has raised concerns about the adequacy of protocols for protecting high-profile individuals.

Calls for a thorough review of the incident have come from various quarters, emphasizing the need for improved security measures. This includes testimony from top officials like Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and representatives from DHS and the FBI.

Prince didn’t mince his words, denouncing the incident as either stemming from "malice or massive incompetence." His remarks reflect a growing frustration with perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies in major security agencies.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

Lawmakers are preparing for hearings later this month, focusing on the security breaches at the rally. These sessions are expected to delve into the specific failures and identify necessary reforms.

Prince hopes that the Butler incident will lead to significant changes within security agencies. He stated, "Hopefully after the tragedy yesterday in Butler [Pennsylvania] we can all recognize that unaccountable bloated bureaucracies continue to fail us as Americans."

The scrutiny of security protocols from this incident is likely to extend to other high-profile political gatherings. With the Republican National Convention approaching, there is an urgent need to address these vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, the events in Butler have underscored critical lapses in security preparedness. A comprehensive review and overhaul of security measures are expected to follow.

In conclusion, the attempted assassination of former President Trump has highlighted significant failures in security protocols. As investigations continue and lawmakers seek accountability, efforts are being made to ensure such breaches do not recur.