The Secret Service has initiated significant reforms following the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. This incident, which involved a gunman firing at Trump during a campaign rally, highlighted critical security lapses within the agency. In response, six agents were suspended for their handling of the crisis, with penalties ranging from 10 to 42 days of unpaid leave. These agents will return to restricted roles post-suspension, as confirmed by Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn in an interview with CBS News. Quinn emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the operational failure in Butler.

The assassination attempt was a stark reminder of the evolving threats faced by the Secret Service. During the attack, a 20-year-old assailant named Thomas Matthew Crooks fired eight shots from a rooftop, injuring Trump and fatally wounding Corey Comperatore, a firefighter attending the rally. The situation was neutralized when a Secret Service sniper killed Crooks. This event prompted widespread scrutiny and calls for reform within the agency.

Bill Gage, a former Secret Service special agent, noted that the incident served as a wake-up call, prompting overdue changes. The agency has since established new divisions and units to counter modern threats more effectively. Former Acting Director Ronald Rowe informed lawmakers that immediate changes included expanding drone surveillance capabilities and enhancing counter-drone technology to prevent similar attacks.

Additionally, the Secret Service has overhauled its radio communications systems to improve interoperability with state and local law enforcement. This change addresses previous issues where agents had to manage multiple radios due to a lack of an integrated system. The agency is also increasing its staffing levels, with plans to hire 1,000 new agents using funds approved by Congress.

Another significant development is the construction of a precise White House replica at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Maryland. This facility will replace the use of Tyler Perry’s replica at his Atlanta studio for training purposes. Secret Service Director Sean Curran highlighted this initiative as part of broader efforts to enhance training and preparedness.

Overall, these reforms underscore the Secret Service’s dedication to preventing future security breaches and ensuring comprehensive protection for high-profile individuals.