(Washington) Donald Trump said he was “confident” in the presidential security services, almost a year after escaping an assassination, “a bad day” according to him for the secret service, responsible for the protection of high American political figures.
Three days before the anniversary of the assassination attempt against the Republican candidate, during the Pennsylvania rally, the Secret Service assured Thursday in a statement having advanced in its internal reforms.
He also reported “disciplinary actions against six people” belonging to the Secret Service, without revealing their identity or their grade, specifying that these sanctions “go from 10 to 42 days of suspension without salary”.
“There have been mistakes,” said the American president in an interview on Fox News to his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who must be broadcast on Saturday evening, according to extracts transmitted by the channel.
He evokes in particular the fact that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was able to take a stand on the roof of a building under the responsibility of the local police, and open fire, before being shot down by secret service.
I have great confidence in these people. I know them, they have a lot of talent, they are very competent. But they had a bad day and I think they recognize it.
Donald Trump about Secret Service
The images of Donald Trump, blood flowing on the face and raised fists, had gone around the world and the event had been considered a key moment in the presidential campaign.
Since then, the Secret Service has changed its protection operations, in particular by “guaranteeing clear lines of responsibility and a better sharing of information with the local police”, according to the press release.
Out of 46 recommendations made by parliamentary commissions, 21 have entered into force and nine are the congress, as a possible reduction in the number of personalities to protect, he said.
Among the still 16 “in application”, several relate to air surveillance and two on the acquisition of an armored vehicle for use on a golf course as well as a procedure for securing golf courses.
Another assassination attempt had taken place in September 2024 while Donald Trump was playing golf course in his club in West Palm Beach, Florida. But the alleged assailant, Ryan Routh, had fled after a secret service agent opened fire on him and was quickly arrested.
