Secret Service Chief Ronald Rowe Retires After Trump Assassination Attempt Fallout

Ronald Rowe, the acting head of the U.S. Secret Service, has announced his retirement after stepping in during one of the agency’s most turbulent periods. Rowe took charge following the shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, inheriting a security crisis that exposed major lapses in protection.

The crisis began on July 13, 2024, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear, narrowly missing a fatal hit, while one rallygoer, Corey Comperatore, was killed and two others critically injured. The attack raised serious questions about security failures, ultimately leading to the resignation of then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Rowe, who had been deputy director, took over amid public outrage and congressional scrutiny. In a bold move, he personally inspected the rooftop where the shooter had positioned himself, admitting, “What I saw made me ashamed.” He faced tough questioning from lawmakers and implemented urgent reforms, including hiring more agents, improving training, and introducing advanced security tech.

Despite his efforts, another scare occurred in September 2024, when an armed suspect was caught near Trump’s golf course in Florida. Investigations into both incidents called for major overhauls within the Secret Service, putting further pressure on Rowe’s leadership.

Announcing his retirement, Rowe expressed pride in his service, stating, “I believe in the Secret Service and its mission.” His departure leaves the agency at a crossroads, still grappling with the fallout from one of its most challenging periods