On July 13, an assassination attempt was made on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, raising concerns over the adequacy of security measures provided at the event.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has detailed some of the most alarming allegations brought forth by a Secret Service whistleblower, sparking a bipartisan investigation into the agency's -- and the Biden administration's -- handling of the incident, as TownHall reports.

According to the whistleblower, Secret Service officials at headquarters discouraged agents responsible for the event from requesting additional security assets.

These allegations suggest that security resources were effectively denied through informal channels, even though Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe had assured Congress that no such resources were withheld.

Whistleblower Claims Contradict Congressional Testimony

In a letter addressed to Rowe, Hawley expressed deep concern over the discrepancies between Rowe's testimony and the whistleblower allegations.

The whistleblower's testimony indicates that agents on the ground were preemptively informed that the Butler rally would not receive additional security due to Trump's status as a former president, rather than a current officeholder.

Rowe had previously testified to Congress, stating that no security assets were denied for the rally. This assurance has now been called into question, with Hawley demanding an immediate explanation for what he describes as an "apparent contradiction."

Details of Assassination Attempt Emerge

The assassination attempt resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, while several others were injured during the chaotic event. The Secret Service has since placed some agents on leave as the agency grapples with the fallout from the incident. The exact nature of the attempt and how it was carried out remain under investigation, but the focus has shifted to the alleged mishandling of security protocols by top officials within the Secret Service.

Hawley's letter highlights the gravity of the situation, stating that these allegations, if true, point to a failure that extends to the highest levels of the agency. He criticized Rowe's response to the situation, noting that simply placing field agents on leave is insufficient to address the severity of the claims.

Congress Launches Bipartisan Investigation

The revelation of these whistleblower claims has prompted a bipartisan House task force to investigate the events surrounding the Butler rally. This investigation will examine not only the actions of the Secret Service on the day of the rally but also the broader implications of the whistleblower's allegations.

Hawley has been vocal in his demands for transparency, urging Rowe to clarify the actions taken by the Secret Service leading up to the rally. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the delay in addressing these allegations was both inexplicable and inexcusable.

Secret Service Leadership Under Scrutiny

The controversy surrounding the Butler rally comes on the heels of the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who stepped down just a month before the assassination attempt. Cheatle's departure has fueled speculation about potential internal issues within the agency, particularly concerning the management of high-profile events such as the Trump rally.

As the investigation unfolds, the role of Secret Service leadership, including Rowe, will likely come under increased scrutiny. The agency's ability to protect former presidents and other high-profile figures is now being questioned, with lawmakers from both parties calling for a thorough review of the protocols and procedures in place.

Hawley Demands Answers

In his letter, Hawley did not mince words, demanding that Rowe provide a clear and immediate explanation for the discrepancies between his congressional testimony and the whistleblower's allegations. He argued that the public deserves to know the truth about what happened in Butler and whether the Secret Service intentionally compromised the safety of a former president.

Hawley's call for accountability extends beyond the actions of individual agents, focusing on the decisions made at the top levels of the agency. He has made it clear that the investigation will not be limited to the events of July 13 but will also explore the broader context of the Secret Service's operations and leadership.

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

The assassination attempt at the Butler rally has not only highlighted potential security lapses but has also raised serious questions about the integrity of the Secret Service. As whistleblower allegations continue to surface, the need for a thorough investigation becomes increasingly evident.

Lawmakers, led by Hawley, are demanding answers and accountability from the Secret Service, particularly from Acting Director Rowe.

The bipartisan investigation now underway will play a crucial role in determining whether the agency's actions -- or lack thereof -- put a former president's life at risk and whether systemic issues within the Secret Service need to be addressed to prevent such incidents in the future.