Politics

Secret Service Missed Over 100 Radio Calls About Trump Gunman in Butler

Reality Check with Ross Coulthart · Former Secret Service agent: Agency has changed since Butler 'failure' | The Hill · July 14, 2026

Reality Check with Ross Coulthart

Former Secret Service agent: Agency has changed since Butler 'failure' | The Hill

"THE 64 PAGE REPORT CREDITING A FAILURE TO ESTABLISH PROPER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE AGENCY AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS AN UNDER TRAINED COUNTER-DRONE SYSTEM OPERATOR WITH THE INCIDENT TAKING PLACE."

A new government watchdog report reveals that the Secret Service missed over 100 radio calls warning about the gunman during the 2022 assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The report cites communication failures between federal and local law enforcement and an improperly trained counter-drone operator as key factors that allowed the shooter to graze Trump's ear and kill bystander Corey Comperatore. The widow of the victim expressed anguish that the attack could have been prevented if authorities had acted on the warnings.

About this episode

News Nation anchor Kelly speaks with former Secret Service agent Robert McDonald about a newly released government watchdog report detailing catastrophic security failures during the 2022 assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 64-page report reveals that the Secret Service missed over 100 radio calls warning about the gunman that day, with the shooting resulting in the death of attendee Corey Comperatore and grazing Trump's ear. Helen Comperatore, widow of the victim, expressed in an interview that her husband would still be alive if authorities had acted on the warnings and kept Trump off the stage. The report attributes the security breakdown to failed communications between the Secret Service and local law enforcement, as well as an undertrained counter-drone system operator. The discussion also addresses ongoing threats to Trump's life, including recent Iranian plots and multiple incidents at the White House in recent months. McDonald emphasizes that the Secret Service has spent two years resetting procedures and reviewing protocols, but warns that the agency must combat complacency and ensure all personnel are properly trained. He notes that while the Secret Service remains skilled at protection, especially in complex operations like the upcoming UN General Assembly, the agency must remain vigilant as modern technology and public information make it easier for potential attackers to conduct surveillance and plan attempts on protectees.

Key takeaways

A new government watchdog report reveals Secret Service missed over 100 radio calls about the Trump shooter in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2022.
The widow of victim Corey Comperatore states her husband would be alive if Secret Service had kept Trump off the stage.
The 64-page report cites communication failures between Secret Service and local law enforcement as a primary cause of the security breakdown.
An undertrained counter-drone system operator contributed to the Secret Service's failure to detect and stop the assassination attempt.
President Trump faces ongoing threats from Iran and has ordered the military to destroy Iran if an assassination attempt succeeds.
Former Secret Service agent Robert McDonald warns the agency must combat complacency and ensure proper implementation of security protocols.
Multiple security incidents involving Trump have occurred in recent months including at the White House Correspondents Dinner and during international travel.