U.S. Secret Service acting director Ronald Rowe, Jr. says culpable officers in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump will be disciplined. Rowe also has identified areas where the law enforcement agency failed in the event of July 13, 2024, that culminated in the death of one person and wounding of two others in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
In his written testimony for December 5, 2024, submitted to the House Task Force on the attempted assassination of Trump for Congressional record, Rowe noted that to ensure accountability, “the Mission Assurance Inquiry identified failures by multiple employees.”
“All disciplinary measures are imposed to promote the efficiency of the Secret Service and to encourage behaviours and principles that ensure the success of the agency’s mission. Employees receiving proposals of discipline will be provided due process under agency policy as well as any applicable laws and regulations,” the Secret Service chief. “But, let me be clear, there will be accountability, and that accountability is occurring. Consistent with applicable laws and regulations, I cannot comment further on specific disciplinary actions underway or being considered.”
Rowe stressed the gravity of the USS’ failure on July 13, 2024.
“I personally carry the weight of knowing that we almost lost a protectee and that our failure cost a father and husband his life,” said the USS chief. “This entire incident represents the failure to meet the expectations and responsibilities of the Secret Service.”
Ultimately, he explained to the task force that the quality of the advance work in preparation for the Butler Farm Show visit “absolutely” did not meet the standard expected of this agency. Rowe pointed out that all Secret Service employees “are held to a high standard of conduct.”

“We must perform and execute our protocols with the highest degree of competency when providing protection to those who entrust us with the safety of themselves and their families,” he stated.
“Additionally, I am using this incident as an opportunity to review our own policies and procedures to ensure that they are as effective and clear as possible in preventing complacency and negligence,” Rowe explained. “It is my charge to make sure that reviews and recommendations, such as the Mission Assurance Inquiry and oversight efforts by Congress and other third parties, are examined and given full consideration to bring change to the Secret Service.”
Rowe lauded the recommendations the Senate and the Independent Review Panel provided as he awaits the committee’s findings.
“I believe that the perspectives of these oversight efforts will help us as we strengthen the Secret Service in meaningful ways. I have already started analysing and prioritising the various recommendations and setting firm deadlines for implementation,” said Rowe. “Some of these recommendations – especially ones related to increased training – will require the necessary resources and support to bring them to fruition.”