Letter to the editor: Simple fix for Secret Service

I have watched many “experts” give their opinions as to what went wrong at the Butler Farm Show rally that resulted in the attack on President Trump. Everybody from Secret Service agents, sheriffs, local police and even the Pennsylvania State Police commander had an opinion. I realize I have different experience than these individuals, but the answer is simple, and the Secret Service should learn it.

During my years of experience in Vietnam as a MACV combat adviser, I always carried a .45 Colt 1911 pistol with three magazines of “tracer” cartridges. When I wanted the ARVN infantry troops to fire (at an NVA), I fired my pistol and got results.

No need for tracer ammo, but when that one individual stuck his head above the roof line and the punk pointed his rifle at the officer, the officer ducked and got on the ground. Then instead of wasting any time on a radio, he should have pulled out his sidearm and emptied the magazine or cylinder by shooting straight up in the air. That would have alerted every law enforcement officer in the area, Trump would have immediately been secured, and all eyes and sniper rifles would have seen the shooter. Problem solved.

Gerald H. Wetzel

Butler Township