(Scypre.com) – The House task force’s final hearing on the assassination attempts against Donald Trump took a dramatic turn Thursday, as a confrontation between acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Texas Republican Rep. Pat Fallon devolved into a shouting match on Capitol Hill.
Heated Questioning About Security Failures
The hearing began with Fallon pressing Rowe on the Secret Service’s handling of security during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. Fallon highlighted what he called a “failure” to adequately protect Trump, referencing an incident where a shooter was able to fire at the former president, grazing him and killing a rally attendee before being neutralized by law enforcement.
From there, Fallon pivoted to Rowe’s presence at the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony in New York City. Displaying a photograph of the event, Fallon pointed to Rowe standing among notable figures, including Trump, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. Using a large red circle to highlight Rowe’s position, Fallon questioned whether his attendance had compromised security.
Holy cow!!! I feel like I'm watching a scene from a few good men!
— Nanette Barrett (@nettigaming) December 5, 2024
Sen. Pat Fallon addressing Secret Service in Ferry heated exchange pic.twitter.com/Ns43wIWJnZ
“Who typically stands closest to the president at an event like this?” Fallon asked. Rowe explained that the responsibility usually falls to the special agent in charge (SAC) of the protective detail, adding, “What you’re not seeing in that photo is the SAC, who is out of the frame.”
Emotional Clash Over 9/11
The exchange grew fiery when Fallon pressed further, asking if Rowe had been the SAC that day. Rowe’s voice rose as he recalled his role at ground zero on 9/11, stating, “I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center. I was there at Fresh Kills.” Fallon interrupted, shouting, “I’m not asking you about that!”
Rowe retaliated, his voice shaking, “I was there to honor a Secret Service member who died on 9/11. Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes!” The tension escalated, with Fallon accusing Rowe of “playing politics” and endangering the lives of Biden and Harris for what he described as a “vanity project.”
Rowe, visibly angered, countered, “You are out of line, congressman! I am a public servant who has served this nation on one of its darkest days. Do not politicize it!”
Accusations of Endangering Protectees
The argument culminated in Fallon accusing Rowe of prioritizing visibility over security, claiming his attendance at the ceremony left protectees exposed. “Did you have a radio? A weapon?” Fallon demanded. Rowe reiterated that he was there to pay respect and insisted his presence did not impact protective operations.
After the heated exchange, Fallon accused Rowe of initiating the confrontation. “That’s on the director,” Fallon told reporters. “He started screaming and refused to answer questions.” He further alleged that Rowe’s actions were part of an effort to secure his position as permanent director of the Secret Service.
Secret Service Defends Rowe
The Secret Service pushed back against Fallon’s accusations. In a statement, spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said Rowe was invited to the Sept. 11 ceremony to honor victims, including Secret Service members who died. “All detail personnel were present and had complete access to their protectees during the memorial,” Guglielmi emphasized.
Task Force Report Highlights Security Gaps
After the explosive hearing, the task force convened to review its final report. An interim report released in October highlighted lapses in coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement during Trump’s Butler rally. According to the report, these failures allowed the shooter to position himself on a nearby rooftop, enabling the attack.
The panel’s final findings are expected to reignite debates over the agency’s readiness to address high-profile threats, even as questions linger over its leadership and operational priorities.
This contentious hearing underscores the high stakes and heightened emotions surrounding the investigation into attacks on a former president, exposing deep divisions over accountability and public service.