A congressional hearing erupted into chaos when questions about security protocols at a September 11 memorial ceremony sparked an intense confrontation between two public officials.
According to The Hill, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Representative Pat Fallon engaged in a heated exchange during a hearing about security planning, with Rowe accusing the Texas Republican of politicizing the 9/11 attacks.
The confrontation began when Fallon presented a photograph of President Biden and President-elect Trump at the ground zero memorial, questioning Rowe's presence in the image.
The Republican congressman suggested that Rowe's positioning had displaced members of the protective detail, an assertion that the Secret Service later clarified was incorrect.
The atmosphere in the hearing room became increasingly volatile as Rowe defended his presence at the memorial event. His emotional response stemmed from his personal connection to the tragedy, having responded to ground zero and participated in recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site.
The exchange quickly devolved into a shouting match that persisted despite Chairman Mike Kelly's attempts to restore order.
Rowe's frustration reached its peak when he forcefully commanded Fallon not to use 9/11 for political purposes. The congressman responded by accusing Rowe of bullying tactics, further escalating the already tense situation. This confrontational exchange lasted approximately one minute, with both men speaking over each other.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Gugliemi later provided context, explaining that Rowe had been officially invited to the September 11 Memorial Ceremony to honor the victims, including Secret Service members who lost their lives. The spokesman emphasized that all detail personnel maintained complete access to their protectees during the memorial.
Prior to the 9/11 memorial discussion, Fallon had questioned Rowe about his actions as deputy director following an assassination attempt on Trump during a Pennsylvania rally this summer. The congressman criticized Rowe's delayed response in visiting the site and meeting with agents involved in the incident.
Speaking to reporters after Rowe's departure, Fallon expressed concerns about the acting director's conduct at the memorial. He argued that Rowe's presence had disrupted the proper positioning of security personnel, suggesting that the special agent in charge should have occupied that position, equipped with appropriate protective gear.
Rowe, who typically maintains a composed demeanor during public appearances, has been vocal about acknowledging agency failures and the need for reform. His predecessor, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned in the aftermath of the assassination attempt amid criticism over transparency issues.
The heated exchange between Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Representative Pat Fallon occurred during a congressional hearing examining security protocols and leadership decisions. The confrontation centered on Rowe's presence at a 9/11 memorial ceremony and broader questions about his response to a recent assassination attempt on Trump.
The incident has led to increased scrutiny of Secret Service leadership, with Fallon calling for Rowe's removal from his position. The Secret Service maintains that Rowe's attendance at the memorial was appropriate and did not compromise security procedures, while congressional oversight continues to examine the agency's protocols and response capabilities.
