‘Do Not Invoke 9/11 for Political Purposes,’ Secret Service Director Tells Rep. Pat Fallon in Heated Exchange
Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, is seen on the House steps of the Capitol on Dec. 6, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A tense confrontation erupted between Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) during a Thursday hearing, as the two clashed over the politicization of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The exchange occurred while the House task force was investigating the attempted assassinations of former President Donald Trump. Fallon, in his questioning, suggested that Rowe had not provided adequate protection during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, leading to a heated response.
Rowe defended his actions, explaining that he was not part of Trump’s protective detail that day. Instead, he attended the ceremony in his capacity as a representative of the Secret Service. “And that is the day where we remember the more than 3,000 people that have died on 9/11,” Rowe said. He also highlighted his personal involvement on the day of the attacks: “I actually responded to Ground Zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center.”
Fallon, however, pressed further, asking, “Were you the Special Agent in Charge?” Rowe, visibly frustrated, fired back, “I was there to show respect for a Secret Service member who died!” The exchange then escalated when Rowe scolded the congressman: “Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes, Congressman!”
Fallon denied any political intent, asserting, “Oh, I’m not!” Rowe shot back, “You are, sir! You are out of line!” As tensions rose, Rowe raised his voice, declaring, “I am a public servant who has served this nation on our day, on our country’s darkest day! And you will not politicize it!”
Despite the committee chair’s attempt to move the hearing forward, Fallon continued to argue, accusing Rowe of using the moment to seek political visibility: “You wanted to be visible because you were auditioning for this job!”
Rowe fired back, “I was there to pay respect for a fallen member of this agency,” and again insisted, “You are out of line, Congressman!” The exchange ended with Fallon’s time expired, but the tension between the two remained palpable.
