In a recent government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the security response during the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Key points included the communication failures among security agencies and the timeline of events leading up to the incident.

Senators raised concerns about the Secret Service's response time and the lack of communication regarding the threat posed by the assailant, identified as Crooks. It was noted that local police had deployed a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and had the building surrounded, yet there appeared to be a disconnect in relaying this information to the Secret Service agents responsible for protecting the former president.

The meeting also addressed the presence of surveillance capabilities, specifically whether any drones were utilized to monitor the situation. It was revealed that an offer from a local agency to deploy a drone was declined, raising questions about the decision-making process during the crisis.

FBI Deputy Director Abate confirmed that there was no doubt within the agency that President Trump was indeed shot by Crooks, dismissing any outlandish theories regarding the nature of the attack. He emphasized that the FBI had been involved in the investigation from the outset and that the assertion of a bullet striking the former president was unequivocal.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the FBI's recent settlements related to lawsuits involving former agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. Senators sought clarity on the FBI's involvement in these settlements, with Abate indicating that the Department of Justice was primarily responsible for the agreements.

As the committee continues to investigate the security lapses during the assassination attempt, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring that such failures do not occur in the future. The discussions highlighted the need for improved communication and coordination among security agencies to protect public figures effectively.