1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The failure of communication between federal agencies like the Secret Service and local law enforcement during the assassination attempt on former President Trump is deeply concerning, especially given the lessons that should have been learned after the 9/11 attacks over a decade ago. Congress must prioritize measures to improve coordination and information sharing protocols across all levels of government to prevent such breakdowns and ensure seamless cooperation in protecting public safety. Local agencies tasked with assisting in high-risk events like rallies and speeches deserve clear lines of communication and comprehensive briefings from their federal counterparts. The tragic events in Butler, Pennsylvania exposed vulnerabilities that could embolden future acts of violence if not urgently addressed. Shielding the public and safeguarding democratic processes should be the utmost priority over partisan interests or bureaucratic inertia. Thorough investigations and concrete actions are imperative to bolster nationwide security capabilities and restore trust in protective services.