>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
According to Hawley, the FBI’s efforts to control the site were excessive and raised questions about their motives. “The FBI — totally late — and they’re trying to control the information, Sean, they tried to kick me off of the site. They said, ‘Get out of here. You shouldn’t be on this site. We don’t want you here.’ They are trying to control the information,” he continued.
Hawley described how local law enforcement was brought in to enforce the FBI’s directive. “They brought local cops, Sean. Get this. I’m there on the site, I had permission from the local security operator to be there, and they — the FBI — came out and said, ‘You have got to leave, we do not want you here.’ That’s what they’re trying to do, they’re trying to control it,” he explained.
In a follow-up video posted on X, Hawley expressed his shock at the proximity of the shooting location to where Trump had been. “Having been there today myself, I can tell you, it is so close. That building where the shooter fired from is so close to where Trump was. The idea you could have all of this time elapse and nobody notices, no law enforcement notices he’s on the roof?” he said, highlighting the apparent security lapse.
Hawley also pointed out communication issues among different law enforcement agencies. He revealed that various agencies used different radio channels, which hindered effective coordination during the event. Furthermore, he shared concerns raised by whistleblowers about the adequacy of the security provided to Trump.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hawley elaborated on allegations of Secret Service misconduct. “Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a ‘loose’ security event,” he wrote.
Hawley’s letter detailed specific lapses, such as the lack of detection canines and improper access controls. “For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas,” he wrote.
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
He further criticized the overall security setup, noting that “Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security perimeter.”
Hawley raised significant concerns about the personnel assigned to protect Trump. “In addition, whistleblower allegations suggest the majority of DHS officials were not in fact USSS agents but instead drawn from the department’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This is especially concerning given that HSI agents were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically used at these types of events,” he wrote.
Senator Hawley’s insistence on uncovering the truth about the security failures surrounding the Trump shooting underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation. As investigations continue, the questions he raises demand thorough examination and accountability from the responsible agencies.
