The U.S. Secret Service is facing renewed scrutiny after a gunman was found hiding in the shrubs along the fence of former President Donald Trump’s golf course for 12 hours. This incident marks the second high-profile security lapse involving Trump in just over two months, raising serious questions about the agency’s ability to protect one of the nation’s most prominent figures.
Ryan Wesley Routh, the man arrested, camped with food and a rifle just outside the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was playing on Sunday. Although Routh did not fire his weapon, critics are questioning how he could remain so close to Trump—only several hundred yards away—especially given the heightened security measures implemented after a near-fatal shooting incident in July.
Following that earlier attack, during which a gunman fired from an unsecured rooftop at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania, Trump’s security detail had been significantly increased. This latest incident, however, has led to concerns about the effectiveness of those measures. Former Secret Service agents have noted key differences between the two situations, but the recurring nature of these threats has not gone unnoticed.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. defended the agency’s response, stating that the golf game was not on a formal schedule and was not advertised ahead of time, meaning agents often have little warning. “The gunman never had a line of sight on the former president,” Rowe said, emphasizing that security protocols were effectively executed. However, he acknowledged that the edge of the property was not monitored due to the unpredictable nature of Trump’s whereabouts.
Critics, including Trump’s son Eric, have expressed skepticism about how Routh managed to remain undetected for so long. In an interview, Eric Trump remarked, “Those agents on the ground are remarkable, but there is a breakdown.”
Despite the concerns, Paul Eckloff, a retired Secret Service agent, explained the complexities of securing a 400-acre golf course with extensive fencing. “It’s breachable, and the systems to mitigate threats are not infallible. There are limits to what is possible,” he noted. The sprawling nature of the property and the fact that it is located within a city pose unique challenges for security, especially when Trump plays unannounced rounds.
Following the July shooting incident, security around Trump was substantially increased. Trump now appears behind bulletproof glass at public events, and his security detail includes counter-surveillance and counter-assault resources. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that these measures are now a permanent part of Trump’s protection strategy.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently praised the response of the Secret Service during this incident, asserting that Trump’s security measures are now comparable to those for President Joe Biden. However, many Republicans question the adequacy of this protection, especially given the recent breaches.
Some former agents, like Anthony Cangelosi, now a lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, believe that the close call highlights a need for increased personnel to secure Trump effectively. “A visible presence is critical to deter any potential actors,” he stated.
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In response to the growing concerns, President Joe Biden has called for additional resources for the Secret Service, urging Congress to take action. Rowe mentioned that the agency has “immediate needs” and is in discussions with lawmakers about funding. Some senators, like Lindsey Graham, have voiced support for increased funding, though they caution that money alone will not resolve the agency’s challenges.
While the Secret Service is exploring options to address its staffing issues, experts warn that any new personnel can take up to 18 months to onboard. Moreover, the current political climate has created a challenging environment for those tasked with protecting high-profile figures, raising fears about the impact of political animosity on their mission.
In summary, the Secret Service’s ability to protect former President Trump is once again under scrutiny following a close call that has raised serious questions about security protocols and resource allocation. As the agency faces pressure for reforms and increased funding, it remains to be seen how it will address these challenges moving forward.
