Whistleblowers have come forward with alarming allegations about security lapses at former President Donald Trump’s recent campaign event, according to Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hawley detailed claims that raise serious concerns about the safety measures in place on Saturday.
“Whistleblowers tell me that MOST of Trump’s security detail working the event last Saturday were not even Secret Service,” Hawley said on X.
“DHS assigned unprepared and inexperienced personnel.”
The whistleblowers, who reportedly have direct knowledge of the event, described it as a “loose” security operation.
Standard safety protocols were not followed, according to the allegations.
Hawley highlighted to Mayorkas in his letter that detection canines, typically used to monitor entry and detect potential threats, were absent from their usual duties.
Even more troubling, sources claim that individuals without proper clearance gained access to restricted backstage areas.
The security perimeter around the podium reportedly lacked adequate policing and officials were not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security boundary, Hawley highlighted.
Perhaps most concerning is the allegation that the majority of DHS personnel assigned to the event were not United States Secret Service (USSS) agents.
They instead were reportedly drawn from the department’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit.
These HSI agents, according to the whistleblowers, were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically employed at such high-profile events.
At least three female agents were visible in videos protecting Trump immediately after the shooting, and their actions have become the subject of widespread criticism and mockery.
Hawley demanded answers from Mayorkas to several questions regarding the security arrangements at the Trump campaign event.
The senator’s inquiry seeks to address these serious allegations and ensure that proper safety measures are in place for future events.
The Secret Service’s inability to prevent the gunman from reaching a shooting position has come under intense scrutiny since Saturday.
NBC News reported that an independent review panel has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the security, and the Secret Service has responded forcefully to these attacks.
In a statement to NBC, agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said, “We stand united against any attempt to discredit our personnel and their invaluable contributions to our mission and are appalled by the disparaging and disgusting comments against any of our personnel.”
Guglielmi emphasized the agency’s commitment to diversity, stating, “Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensures that we attract the best talent, fostering a robust and effective team that reflects the society we serve.”
This comes as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs within the Secret Service becomes a key point of contention, and an alleged contributing factor to the security lapse.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, labeling her a “DEI hire.”
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee echoed similar sentiments.
