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The U.S. Secret Service is conducting an internal review after a security breach at President Donald Trump's golf club in Sterling, Virginia. On August 31, a club member inadvertently brought a loaded semiautomatic Glock handgun into the Trump National Golf Club while President Trump was present. The weapon went undetected during a manual bag search using handheld magnetometers, as reported by Real Clear Politics.
The club member self-reported the firearm and did not come close to the president. The Secret Service has placed the employee responsible for the screening on administrative leave pending the review's outcome. CNBC noted that the member was "shaken and incensed" upon realizing the oversight.
The incident has raised concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect the president, especially following recent assassination attempts. In July 2024, shots were fired at President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Secret Service is assessing whether the lapse was due to human error, inadequate procedures, or equipment issues.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran and Deputy Director Matt Quinn visited the golf club for a briefing after the incident. The agency reiterated that "redundant security layers" are in place to prevent breaches. The review's findings could lead to changes in screening protocols and potentially draw congressional scrutiny. The Secret Service emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its sites.