The attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked intense scrutiny and urgent internal reviews within the Secret Service.
After the former president was shot in the ear - miraculously escaping death - questions about security protocols and swift responses have emerged, with Trump's security detail facing scrutiny on social media.
On Saturday (July 13), a gunman - identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks - opened fire during Trump's campaign rally. Not only was Trump injured, but one man was killed and another two rally-goers were critically injured.
The shooter was eventually shot dead by Secret Service agents.
In the aftermath, Jonathan Wackrow - a former Secret Service agent - emphasized the critical moments that unfolded during the attempted assassination and has highlighted what Trump's security did correctly.
In an interview with CNN, Wackrow praised the agents' rapid and precise actions, noting that their training kicked in immediately upon hearing gunfire-like noises. "Everything was textbook in the way they reacted," Wackrow said.
"They put maximum attention to the protectee and minimum attention to the problem," Wackrow explained.
He continued: "They actioned off the sound of a threat, in this case what they perceived was some sort of gunfire, coming from what is believed to be the right of the former President."
"If you look at the moment you heard the instant sound of what was believed to be gunfire, those Secret Service agents rushed in and did exactly what they are trained to do, which is to put maximum attention to the protectee, and minimum attention to the problem," Wackrow added.
"That working shift around the former President, they need to react very quickly to make him safe and the way they're doing it is exactly what we saw - they put their bodies between the former President and the perceived threat, so they might absorb any secondary rounds.
However, the incident has raised significant questions about security protocols and potential lapses within the Secret Service's protective measures - with many criticizing the fact that the shooter was able to get so close to Trump with a rifle to begin with.
Speaking to The Independent, Wackrow stressed the urgency for a comprehensive "mission-assurance review" to evaluate the agency's handling of the situation.
"Was there a communications issue? What were the security vulnerabilities that allowed the shooter to get close?" Wackrow posed these critical questions, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms if necessary.
As Trump and other political figures gear up for heightened public appearances leading up to Election Day, Wackrow emphasized the imperative for the Secret Service to swiftly address any shortcomings in their protective strategies.
"The next few months are critical," Wackrow warned.
Looking ahead, the Secret Service faces a pivotal period of assessment and potential reform to bolster security measures.
The investigation into the assassination attempt continues, with authorities focusing on determining the motives and background of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks.