Iran, sight lines and missed chances: New report reveals how badly Secret Service botched Trump rally security

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Secret Service failed with key lapses in its security plan and not communicating with local and state law enforcement agencies before a gunman opened fire at Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a new report found. Federal, state and local law enforcement did not receive planning documents ahead of time because there was no single point of contact and meetings were “informal.” One Butler Emergency Services Unit Commander described the rally site walkthrough as “incredibly disorganized” and left feeling as though there was “no plan.” The report recommends Congress “require the Secret Service to identify defined roles and responsibilities for agents responsible for advance planning of any protective event.” open image in gallery Officials determined there was a lack of leadership in the security plan to help protect Trump while he was at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, local law enforcement officials reportedly told the Secret Service planning team they were unable to secure the building due to lacking “manpower.” The agency allowed the rally to continue despite the sight lines not being blocked when agents arrived at the site in the morning. Prior potential threats were not relayed The report says Secret Service counter snipers were to be provided at the rally days before the shooting took place because there was “credible intelligence” of a threat.