Six Secret Service agents have been suspended without pay after the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024.

According to Deputy Director Matt Quinn, the six agents received punishments that ranged from 10 to 42 days without pay. After their suspensions, they were given roles with fewer responsibilities. These disciplinary measures were part of a formal federal process.

“We’re not going to fire our way out of this,” Quinn told CBS News, adding that the agency is “laser focused on fixing the root cause of the problem.”

The agency was strongly criticized after the attacker, Thomas Crooks, opened fire during the rally on July 13, 2024. Trump was hit on the ear, two other people were injured, and a firefighter named Corey Comperatore, who was attending the event with his family, was killed. Crooks was later shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.

“Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler,” Quinn said. “It was an operational failure and we’re focused today on ensuring it never happens again.”
 

Since the shooting, the Secret Service has made changes to improve event security. They have introduced military-grade drones and mobile control centers to help improve communication with local police during public events.

The agency faced more backlash just weeks later when another attempt on Trump’s life happened in West Palm Beach, Florida. Although this second attempt was stopped, it led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and opened the door for several investigations.

A report later released by a bipartisan team in the House of Representatives said the Butler attack could have been avoided. The 180-page report pointed to ongoing problems with leadership and training within the Secret Service. It also blamed poor coordination with local law enforcement.