As the FBI continues its investigation into Trump's attempted assassination at the Pennsylvania rally on July 13, several media reports indicate that some Secret Service personnel responsible for his protection during the incident have been placed on leave, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Following an internal review of the Secret Service's preparations for the rally, "multiple" officials have reportedly been placed on leave, as reported by CBS News.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, as reported by Sky News' partner network NBC, those suspended include the Special Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh field office, who was responsible for coordinating the security plan with local police prior to the rally.
According to two federal law enforcement sources, one agent assigned to Trump’s detail and three others from the Pittsburgh office have been placed on leave.
It is unclear if these actions are disciplinary, as agents are often placed on leave during investigations for various reasons, including mental health support.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi did not confirm the agents' leave status, citing it as a personnel matter. However, he stated that the agency's "mission assurance review is ongoing, focusing on the processes, procedures, and factors that contributed to this operational failure."
Guglielmi added that the Secret Service "upholds the highest professional standards", and any identified policy violations will be investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for potential disciplinary measures.
Regarding disciplinary actions, there are different levels based on the nature of the alleged behaviour. When Secret Service personnel are placed on administrative leave for disciplinary reasons, they continue to receive their pay and remain on office grounds, typically handling paperwork or other administrative tasks rather than their usual duties.
On July 13, 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt while speaking at an outdoor campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service at the scene.