Part 3/7:
Planning Errors: Secret Service operations leading up to the rally were marred by insufficient contingency planning. Coordination with local law enforcement was inadequate, and agents had conflicting interpretations of their roles during the event.
Failure to Secure the Area: Significant vulnerabilities remained unaddressed, particularly concerning the AGR building, which was not secured adequately. Agents mistakenly believed this responsibility lay with local law enforcement.
Communication Breakdown: The lack of effective communication structures severely hampered decision-making. Many agents recalled feeling unprepared to address threats due to inadequate protocols, which prevented them from acting promptly when the shooting occurred.