Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe erupted in a heated exchange with Rep. Pat Fallon after the Texas Republican criticised the agency’s handling of two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump.
Fallon sharply criticised Rowe for waiting days to visit the Butler, Pa., site where Trump narrowly escaped an attack on July 13. He also presented a photo showing Rowe standing near then-President Trump during a visit to New York to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks instead of being with his protective detail.
“Who is usually at an event like this closest to the president of the United States?” Fallon demanded, referencing the photo where Trump appeared without an agent next to him. “Were you the special agent in charge of the detail that day?”
Rowe defended himself, claiming the photo did not show the full context of the situation. His tone quickly grew emotional as he responded, “That is the day we remember more than 3,000 people who died on 9/11.
I responded to Ground Zero” before accusing Fallon of politicising the solemn occasion. “I am a public servant who has served this nation,” Rowe added, visibly agitated.
Despite Rowe’s defence, Fallon repeated his question, prompting an even more heated retort from Rowe. “I was there, Congressman,” Rowe snapped.
Fallon, undeterred, shot back, his voice rising in anger. “You are out of line, Congressman,” Rowe said as the two continued to clash in the tense exchange.
