A high-ranking United States Secret Service (USSS) official is set to retire following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to a Fox News report, Michael Plati, the Assistant Director of the agency's Office of Protective Operations, was encouraged to step down in the wake of the July 13 security breach.
Plati, who led the section responsible for planning protection for Trump, President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other high-profile figures, will end his 27-year tenure with the agency this Friday. While the USSS maintains that Plati's retirement was a personal decision, sources involved in the internal investigation suggest it is linked to the recent security failure.
The Secret Service is gearing up to brief Congress in the coming days about lessons learned from the attempt on Trump's life. This move comes as part of the agency's efforts to address the security breakdown and implement necessary improvements.
The USSS has stated its commitment to transparency and oversight, noting that they have already provided over 2,400 pages of documentation to Congress. The agency emphasizes its dedication to learning from the incident and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Plati's spokesman, Greg Henning, maintains that the retirement was planned well in advance, stating, "Mike has been discussing this for more than a year. He's retiring on the date of his 27-year anniversary working for the Secret Service."
The retirement of Michael Plati is not the only leadership change within the USSS following the assassination attempt. On July 23, USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned under mounting pressure related to the incident.
These personnel changes come as part of a broader response to the security failure. The Department of Defense has since offered "additional assistance" to the USSS in protecting political figures requiring personal security.
An anonymous agent expressed disappointment over Plati's departure, praising his integrity and leadership qualities within the Secret Service. This sentiment underscores the complex nature of the situation and the impact it has had on the agency's internal dynamics.
In light of the recent events, the USSS is taking steps to bolster its protective capabilities. Anthony Guglielmi, the agency's chief of communications, announced last month that the Department of Defense will provide additional support throughout the 2024 campaign season.
This assistance will include logistics, transportation, and communications support, reflecting a concerted effort to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security apparatus for high-profile political figures.
The collaboration between the USSS and DOD highlights the seriousness with which the agency is approaching its protective responsibilities in the wake of the Butler incident.
The retirement of Michael Plati, the upcoming Congressional briefing, and the implementation of enhanced security measures represent significant developments in the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt. As the USSS works to address the security lapse and strengthen its protective capabilities, the agency faces ongoing scrutiny and the challenge of rebuilding public trust in its ability to safeguard political leaders.
