Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has raised concerns about security at Trump rallies, claiming that whistleblowers have come forward alleging extremely lax security measures.
What’s going on: In a letter directed to the DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hawley wrote, “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. 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. 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.”
Another concern raised: Senator Hawley also inquired about whistleblower reports indicating that most of the agents at Trump’s rally were not from the Secret Service, but were instead from the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigations division.
Questions for Secretary Mayorkas: Hawley’s letter demanded the following questions be answered within seven days: 1)How did DHS determine to staff the event, including any decision to rely on state or local officers? 2)What percentage of the DHS agents at the event were from HSI rather than USSS? Were a majority of officers at the event drawn from HSI or other DHS components, rather than USSS? If so, why? 3)Were HSI agents properly trained in staffing these types of events? 4) Did gaps exist in the security perimeter, and were the usual protocols followed for the use of canines and magnetometers? 5) Were agents not appropriately stationed around the podium? 6) Were the standard protocols followed for issuing designated pins to vetted personnel that are allowed backstage? 7)How long did agents physically spend on the ground surveying the site before the event? Did any paperwork obligations prevent a longer and more robust site survey?
