You're right, but, as of right now we are discussing this hard to understand incident in a vacuum. I for one am surprised that there has not been a briefing from SS. Even if they put out some sort of statement.
There isn't a briefing because they are scrambling to provide the public with a cogent reason why they failed to protect a former president. They can waffle all they want but at the end of the day there was a major breakdown in communication between the SS and the local police departments.
This is a section from the FAQs on the SS website:
How does the Secret Service "protect" the president?
In order to maintain a safe environment for the president and other protectees, the Secret Service calls upon other
federal, state and local agencies to assist on a daily basis. The Secret Service Uniformed Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Park Police patrol the streets and parks nearby the White House. The Secret Service regularly consults with experts from other agencies in utilizing the most advanced security techniques. The military supports the Secret Service through the use of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and communications resources.
When the president travels, an advance team of Secret Service agents works with the host city, state and local law enforcement, as well as public safety officials, to jointly implement the necessary security measures. (emphasis mine)
Clearly that wasn't done here. Or if it was it was hastily done without any real plan in place? Was this a pop up rally? How far in advance did the community know he was coming? How far in advance do the SS coordinate with local police forces and scope the place out?
My personal opinion is that the head of the SS should be fired. This is all on Cheatle. So does that mean there's little protocol on how security changes for an ex-president running for election? Is it just business as usual?
The reality is if security protocol only refers to a
retired president, not a campaigning president every time DJT has had an outdoor rally he's been at risk. He dodged a bullet all those times, imo. I don't like the man, but it's not him they are protecting it's the position.
I don't want someone who can't swim to be a lifeguard and I also don't want to see an SS agent fearful in the job they are hired to do. There should be some pink slips getting issued, imo.
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