WASHINGTON — The U.S. Secret Service failed to detect and prevent a 2024 assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, according to two watchdog reports released on July 2. The findings highlight a series of lapses and understaffing issues that compromised security during the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

The reports by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general largely confirm prior investigations that examined the shooting incident, which left Trump with a gunshot wound to the ear and resulted in the death of a bystander. The assailant, Thomas Crooks, was fatally shot by a law enforcement sniper at the scene.

Key failures identified include the inability to detect a drone flight Crooks used to survey the stage due to an undertrained operator and equipment malfunction. Additionally, agents were not warned that Crooks possessed a range finder and a long gun nor that he had climbed onto the roof of the American Glass Research International complex—issues linked to the absence of a joint communications center with local law enforcement.

Other shortcomings involved the failure to secure the area outside the event perimeter, despite the Pennsylvania State Police having shared security plans indicating vulnerabilities. The agency also did not utilize available resources to obstruct the line of sight from the rooftop to Trump, despite recognizing this as a security concern.

The inspector general report criticized the Secret Service’s overall lack of policies, limited intelligence sharing, and poor coordination with protectee staff and local law enforcement as factors that created conditions allowing the attack to unfold.

Another report found the Secret Service was understaffed by an average of 21.4% during fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This shortfall led to reliance on overtime and support from other agencies. Agents logged approximately 1.2 million overtime hours, often working consecutive shifts with minimal rest, contributing to burnout and a rise in attrition.

In response, the Secret Service acknowledged the critiques and stated it had addressed many of the issues raised. The agency emphasized improvements in technology, personnel, and protective operations, describing itself as “a stronger and more capable agency than it was in 2024.” Since the attack, the agency disciplined six employees with suspensions ranging from 10 days to six weeks without pay and implemented enhanced security measures, including the use of bullet-resistant glass at outdoor events.

By July 2025, the Secret Service reported progress on 21 of 46 congressional recommendations intended to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, with 16 recommendations in progress and nine pending legislative action. The agency has also prioritized workforce retention and streamlined hiring to mitigate staffing challenges moving forward.