Report on White House Fence Jumper Reveals Problems with Secret Service Culture, Lack of Resources
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the Executive Summary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Report on the White House Incursion Incident of September 19, 2014. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson tasked Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to investigate the incident at all levels.
This report indicates that the Secret Service's response at the White House was significantly hampered on September 19th because of critical and major failures in communications, confusion about operational protocols, and gaps in staffing and training. While some of these problems can be attributed to a lack of resources, others are systemic and indicative of Secret Service culture. Some of these problems have begun to be addressed, however it is imperative that DHS follows through on these findings and institutes real reforms. I commend Deputy Secretary Mayorkas for conducting a thorough review and I look forward to continuing to work with the leaderships of the Department and the Secret Service to get this vital agency on track.
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Media Contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
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