The US Secret Service has launched an internal review after a member of a Trump-owned golf club in Virginia inadvertently brought a loaded Glock handgun into the facility while President Donald Trump was present. The incident occurred on August 31 at Trump National Golf Club, despite the agency providing security for the site.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that the club member notified authorities about the firearm, and that the individual was never in close physical proximity to the president. The agent responsible for screening the member has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the review.
According to reports, agents were using handheld magnetometers rather than walkthrough metal detectors to screen guests at the time. Senior Secret Service officials later visited the club to assess security measures further. Club members expressed alarm over the breach, questioning the overall state of presidential protection.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Secret Service following multiple assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, including a July rally where a bullet grazed his ear. Despite scathing reviews highlighting training and operational failures, Trump has defended the agency, stating in a July interview that they are 'very talented, very capable' but had a 'bad day'.
