A congressional hearing turned explosive when Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Representative Pat Fallon engaged in an intense verbal confrontation.
According to The Hill, the heated exchange occurred during questioning about Rowe's presence at a 9/11 memorial event, where he was photographed standing behind President Biden and President-elect Trump.
The confrontation escalated rapidly when Fallon suggested Rowe had interfered with the presidential security detail at the ground zero memorial. The debate intensified as Rowe defended his presence at the event, citing his personal connection to 9/11 and a fallen Secret Service agent.
Security Protocols Questioned
Fallon's interrogation began with concerns about Rowe's response to an assassination attempt on Trump during a Pennsylvania rally this summer. The congressman criticized Rowe's delayed visit to the site where Trump was shot in the ear and a bystander was killed.
The questioning then shifted to the 9/11 memorial photograph, where Fallon suggested Rowe had displaced essential security personnel. The Secret Service later clarified through spokesman Anthony Gugliemi that Rowe attended as an invited guest, and all detail personnel maintained access to their protectees.
Rowe, typically known for his composed demeanor, responded emotionally to Fallon's implications. As a 9/11 first responder, his personal connection to the event sparked an intense reaction.
Heated Congressional Exchange
The confrontation reached its peak when Rowe, responding to Fallon's questioning, shared his personal experience at ground zero. Speaking passionately, Rowe stated:
That is the day where we remember the more than 3,000 people that died on 9/11. I actually responded to ground zero. I was there, going through the ashes of the World Trade Center.
The exchange deteriorated into a shouting match that continued despite Chair Mike Kelly's attempts to restore order. Both men remained defiant, with Rowe demanding Fallon not politicize 9/11 and Fallon accusing Rowe of bullying.
Following the hearing, Fallon maintained his position regarding Rowe's conduct at the memorial. He expressed concern about the potential compromise of presidential security protocols and called for Rowe's removal from his position.
Heightened Tensions Persist
Representative Fallon later elaborated on his concerns about Rowe's presence at the memorial. He questioned whether Rowe was properly equipped for his position near the president, suggesting the special agent in charge should have occupied that space instead.
The Secret Service maintains that proper security protocols were followed during the memorial event. Their spokesperson emphasized that all protective details remained fully functional and had complete access to their protectees throughout the ceremony.
This incident occurs during a period of transition for the Secret Service, following the resignation of former director Kimberly Cheatle after criticism about transparency regarding the Trump assassination attempt.
Congressional Oversight Intensifies
The heated exchange between Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Representative Pat Fallon highlighted growing tensions over Secret Service protocols and leadership. The confrontation erupted during questioning about Rowe's presence at a 9/11 memorial event and his agency's response to a recent assassination attempt on Trump.
This incident raises questions about the relationship between congressional oversight and Secret Service operations, particularly as Rowe continues to implement reforms following the July 13 shooting incident. While Fallon demands Rowe's removal, the Secret Service maintains that all security protocols were properly followed at both events in question.
