The U.S. Secret Service has acknowledged significant security failures during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. described the incident as a 'failure' that revealed communication breakdowns and complacency within the agency, which left Trump exposed to a sniper attack. Despite prior warnings about the site's vulnerabilities, including line-of-sight issues from an unsecured rooftop, the Secret Service failed to implement necessary security measures. Local law enforcement expressed frustration over the agency's lack of coordination and guidance during the event. Rowe emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how protective operations are conducted, moving from a reactive to a proactive stance. The incident has sparked criticism from lawmakers, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, who questioned the agency's ability to protect presidential candidates.