Sen. Rand Paul Alleges Secret Service Cover-Up After Trump Assassination Attempt in Butler

Senator Rand Paul has accused the Secret Service of a "cultural cover-up" following the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024. A Senate report revealed that the Secret Service denied or left unfulfilled at least 10 requests for additional security resources before the shooting, which resulted in Trump being grazed by a bullet, the death of fire chief Corey Comperatore, and injuries to two others. Paul criticized the agency's failure to take responsibility, noting that no personnel were disciplined despite clear security lapses, including the presence of the shooter on a rooftop with a direct line of sight. The report also indicated that then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle falsely testified to Congress about the denial of asset requests and resigned shortly after. Senator Tom Cotton attributed these security failures to the Biden administration's lack of responsiveness to Trump’s security detail's requests. Paul emphasized the need for thorough congressional oversight, calling the Secret Service's internal investigation inadequate and highlighting the risks posed by large rallies regardless of political affiliation.