The Secret Service only detected a gunman hiding at a golf course in West Palm Beach after former President Donald Trump was approximately 500 yards away, raising further doubts about the agency’s ability to protect the GOP nominee.

Following the incident, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. commended his team for preventing what authorities claimed was the second assassination attempt on Trump within two months. In a press conference with other law enforcement representatives, he described it as a “textbook” response where agents effectively recognized and neutralized a threat while Trump was enjoying a round of golf.

Rowe noted that the Secret Service has considerably strengthened its security protocols for Trump since he suffered a gunshot wound to the ear during a previous assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

The enhanced security measures in place included counter-snipers, surveillance agents stationed around the Trump International Golf Club, local law enforcement collaboration, and the use of drones.

As a result of these precautions, one agent encountered an individual trying to conceal himself in the woods bordering the golf course. The agent fired at the suspect, who then fled the scene before being captured by local police. Meanwhile, other agents quickly moved to ensure Trump’s safety.

“The Secret Service’s protective measures were successful yesterday,” Rowe remarked. “The structure protecting the former president allowed for quick identification of the threat and facilitated a safe evacuation.”

Hours before Rowe’s statement, a federal criminal complaint against the alleged shooter, Ryan Routh, revealed cellphone data indicating he waited for 12 hours in a wooded area next to the golf course before aiming a semi-automatic rifle at Trump around 2 p.m. on Sunday.

After inspecting the golf course on Monday, Rowe stated that Routh did not have a clear line of sight to Trump and never fired his weapon, suggesting that the agents managed the situation effectively.

Routh appeared in court on Monday and is facing charges for illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon, as well as possessing a weapon with an erased serial number, according to the federal complaint.

‘The public deserves to know’ about the events of Sunday: DeSantis

Rowe’s remarks coincided with calls from some lawmakers in Washington for an inquiry into the day’s events, especially as the Secret Service continues to face backlash for allowing a young shooter to access a nearby rooftop from which he fired eight shots during the July 13 rally, resulting in one death and two injuries before being neutralized by a counter-sniper from the agency.

“What we need from the Secret Service is more transparent information about what occurred, what strategies are effective, what is lacking, and what resources are needed,” stated Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean on MSNBC. Dean is part of a bipartisan task force scrutinizing the July 13 incident and issues related to the Secret Service.

Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, announced he would initiate a separate investigation into the events that transpired over the weekend.

“The public deserves to know how the suspect managed to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee,” DeSantis wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

‘The utmost level’ of security being ensured: Rowe

Rowe affirmed on Monday that the agency is providing the “utmost level” of protection for both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, following President Joe Biden’s directive for an upgrade in response to the July 13 attack.

While Trump was moving through the fifth fairway and out of sight from the sixth green, an agent conducting a visual sweep noticed the armed suspect and immediately fired his weapon, Rowe explained.

“The suspect, who lacked a clear shot at the former president, fled the scene,” he added. “He did not fire at our agent.”

When questioned about how the gunman was not detected earlier on Sunday, Rowe mentioned that the golf outing was an unexpected event, meaning agents had not been positioned in advance for it.

“He wasn’t planned to be there initially,” Rowe explained.

He noted that, under the circumstances, agents followed protocol and utilized a “layered” method to secure Trump while he moved from hole to hole on one of his preferred golf courses.

“The quick response of the agent, who moved ahead and conducted a sweep while the president was further back, hundreds of yards away and out of the gunman’s view, is what alerted the team to the suspect,” Rowe stated.

Rowe mentioned he has been continuously reassessing and improving security measures since the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, which occurred just ten days after the assassination attempt in July. Rowe stepped up as acting director at the request of the Biden administration.

According to Rowe, the results from Sunday’s incident demonstrate that the increase in protective personnel and tactical resources implemented following the earlier incident is effective.

“We will certainly review this situation to determine any lessons learned,” Rowe remarked. “However, at this moment, we are consistently evaluating the threat level, and if additional measures are needed, we will take them.”

On the same day, Biden urged Congress to allocate more funding for the Secret Service. “Thank goodness the president is safe,” Biden said as he departed the White House on Monday. “I want to make it clear: the Service requires additional support. I believe Congress should respond to those needs.”

Rowe pointed out that the protective agency has been managing with fewer resources for many years and now requires more support to function effectively in the current highly politicized threat environment.

“I can assure you that we have immediate needs at this moment, and we appreciate the backing we have from President Biden and many members of Congress regarding funding for more agents and equipment,” Rowe stated.

However, Rowe added, “We cannot afford any missteps. To avoid this, we need to engage in tough discussions with Congress about increasing our budget.”