Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) expressed his confidence in the Secret Service’s capabilities following an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump and the outrageous mishandling of his security on that day. The attack took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old gunman, shot at Trump, grazing his ear. The attack resulted in one supporter’s death and injuries to two others.

Video footage from the event shows the pandemonium as shots were fired, Secret Service agents returning fire, and Trump being helped to his feet, giving a defiant fist pump before being led off the stage.

When questioned about the Secret Service’s ability to protect candidates, Casey responded, “Well, I’m not concerned that they don’t have the expertise and the resources, and if they need more resources, then they should come to us.”

This reassurance comes amid scrutiny over the Secret Service’s actions. A Senate briefing revealed that agents had flagged Crooks as a threat 10 minutes before Trump’s appearance but did not secure a roof identified as a potential security risk. Director Kimberly Cheatle explained that the roof was not manned because it was ‘sloped.’

Additionally, Crooks reportedly flew a drone over the rally site, capturing aerial footage shortly before the attack. This has led to increased criticism of the Secret Service’s preparedness and response.

The conservative reaction has been sharp, with many noting a perceived double standard in how such incidents are handled depending on the political affiliation of the target. Critics argue that a Democrat president would have prompted more immediate and extensive calls for security enhancements and legislative action.
In the broader context, tensions remain high, with Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson previously suggesting that Trump should lose Secret Service protection if imprisoned, further fueling conservative fears of a politically motivated campaign against him. Donald Trump Jr. recently voiced concerns that some radical leftists desire not just imprisonment but the death of his father.

As these issues continue to unfold, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, where she will address the security lapses and overall agency readiness in safeguarding high-profile political figures.