Former secret service agent speaks on attempted assassination of Donald Trump

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Former Secret Service Agent Michael Williams joined CBS 42 News to discuss the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump over the weekend.

“As most Americans, I was shocked to see what I was witnessing during the rally. But, unlike most Americans, I was looking at it through a different lens, having been in the agency for 33 years,” said Williams, reflecting on his reaction to the shooting.

Reports in the days that followed the shooting suggests the security gap stem from how the agency communicated with local law enforcement before and during the event, and the decision not to place security personnel on the building the gunman climbed up.

“Obviously, the building that was outside the secure zone was a line of sight issue. It was a vulnerability for the secret service,” Williams remarked.

While he noted the agency took actions to mitigate that vulnerability, Williams stated there “should have been someone at that building to make sure that no one had gained access to the building.”

“After every assassination attempt, there is a thorough review of the agency, the policies, the procedures things we did right, things the agency did wrong. That’s going to take place by the secret service, that’s going to take place by the Department of Homeland Security, and all of that is going to be reported to congress,” Williams said regarding what will happen next.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.