Shenango Valley News

The Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump has released its final report titled “Final Report of Findings and Recommendations.” The document, approved unanimously by the Task Force on December 5, outlines critical shortcomings in the planning, execution, and leadership of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies involved. It also includes 37 recommendations aimed at addressing security lapses observed during the incident on July 13 and suggests structural changes for future improvements.

The investigation focused on six main areas: Failures in Planning, Execution, Leadership in Butler, PA; Aftermath; FBI Investigation; and Findings and Recommendations in West Palm Beach, FL. Over nearly five months, the Task Force conducted extensive interviews with various agencies, reviewed a substantial volume of documents, and held multiple briefings and public hearings.

“The failures that led to the tragic events of July 13 were not entirely isolated to the campaign event itself or the days preceding it," states the report. "Preexisting issues in leadership and training created an environment in which specific failures could occur." It further notes that some Secret Service personnel lacked experience in advance planning roles despite being assigned significant responsibilities for a high-risk outdoor event with intelligence about potential threats.

The resolution requiring this report was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 24, 2024. Additionally, Member views submitted will be included in the final adopted text by the Office of the Clerk. Transcripts from this investigation are expected to be released later.