Secret Service faces questions after Bush shoe incident

[RamboLiberal]

Source: LA Times

A day after President Bush was nearly struck in the head by flying footwear at a Baghdad news conference, U.S. Secret Service officials faced questions Monday about how an Iraqi television reporter was able to hurl not one but two shoes at the president without the agents responsible for protecting him being able to move into the line of fire.

Secret Service officials said they were reviewing the episode, including the procedures used by agents guarding Bush during his unannounced visit to Baghdad. But officials said they believed the agents reacted appropriately in a situation where all those present in the room had already undergone intensive security screening.

Nonetheless, some former agents and security experts who reviewed tapes of the assault predicted it would lead to minor changes to improve procedures for safeguarding the president.

"They will probably make a decision to have more close-in agents, right around the president," said Ronald T. Williams, a former Secret Service agent. "They will make some adjustments, so if a shoe is thrown again, they can intercept it, or at least give the president cover."

-----

Patrick J. Lennon, another former agent, said that after he saw the video, his impression was that the agents seemed to react more slowly then he would have expected.

"I thought they would have responded after the first shoe," Lennon said.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-secretservice16-2008dec16,0,7896712.story

[jobycom]

1. They were in on it. If you look carefully, you'll notice the shoes

coming from a different location than where the reporter stood. Plus, if you look carefully at pictures of that reporter from last week, you'll notice his earlobes and jawline are different. Plus, no one has even tested the shoes in custody to see if they could even physically be hurled that accurately, and that quickly.

We need a real investigation, here. Someone not tied to the Secret Service, and certainly not connected to Dick Cheney. There shall be no cover-up in this investigation--all shall be bared.

[UpInArms]

3. I want to know why Maliki just stood there - never flinching or moving

whilst the shoes were flying.

Was he in on the throwing?

Did he not fear for his own head?

Was he not embarrassed?

[jobycom]

6. And did you notice how he slowed down just as the second shoe was thrown?

He waved a hand at it, but slowly, as though he were trying to guide it, rather than stop it.

[Ian David]

22. He was hoping the shoes were his size. n/t

[Vinnie From Indy]

5. Some witnesses report that at least one of the shoes came from the grassy knoll

WHat is everyone getting so worked up about? Commander Bunnypants has spent his whole life ducking.

[Joe Bacon]

12. I wonder how much cash Bush put in that guy's pocket!

There is NO doubt in my mind that this was all staged. I believe the Secret Service was in on it.

[Tyler Generation]

24. I was wondering the same thing

The whole incident looks like a big work for a memorable "W acknowledged the duality of freedom!" moment.

[JI7]

2. they act as if the asshole was shot at with a gun

[skyounkin]

4. Jeez....

The shoes came from the grassy knoll you freaking idiots!! This was set-up from the begining to give * and excuse to invade Cuba!!

Get a clue morans!!!

:P

[izquierdista]

8. Part of a conspiracy

Did you notice that all the Iraqis outside were wearing -- shoes!

They are all in on it!

[CitizenPatriot]

7. Joe the Shoe has been investigated

and is pleased to have been found innocent in those there charges made by a partisan gotcha attack by jerks. The shoe never flew.

I repeat, the shoe never flew.

Make pundit rounds, have rally, repeat ad nauseam: "the shoe never flew."

All it takes to prove your innocence is a slogan and some good, old fahsioned amerkun jingoism:-)

[beyurslf]

9. One of my biggest regrets in life will be that he was not hit square in the forehead with that shoe.

That would have made the next 6 weeks bearable.

[TankLV]

15. yep...

nt

[question everything]

10. As well they should

It does not matter that the audience was cleared. They should never take anything for granted.

[dogfacedboy]

11. I think this heinous act was carried out by members of al Bundi. n/t

[Wizard777]

13. Bush shouldn't have told them they would be greeted with flowers and parades.

It's a whole different prep and protocol for shoes. So it's not their fault.

[TankLV]

14. I mean, really, next thing you know, marshmallows will be flung at our "Dear Leader", I mean FUHRER.

It was a fucking SHOE for gods sake, in the BUNKER ROOM of the GREEN ZONE for chrissake...

If they're going to demand that all reporters be NAKID - I want to be one of the judges as to who gets in!!!

Besides, the "problem" will be solved in a few weeks - not so much hatred for bush* when he's no longer pResident...

Clinton, and Carter could walk around and be greeted warmly by THOUSANDS...Obmama will too...

They only have to watch out for our OWN local repuke/racists - I'm sure they know where to look...

[NashVegas]

20. Yabbut He Coulda Had An Eye Poked Out!!!!!!!!1

[JohnAB]

16. ss

I think the team that was watching over the P.E. bush

gets a grade of a F-

[OneBlueSky]

17. what I find interesting is that no one ever questioned the actions of the Secret Service . . .

when Bush was informed that "our country is under attack" while reading to kids in that Florida school . . . that they didn't rush him out of there indicates that they KNEW he was in no danger from, say, another hijacked airliner that could have been winging its way in his direction . . . what I want to know is HOW they knew this, and WHO told them . . .

[yurbud]

18. I am outraged too--why isn't the Secret Service throwing their shoes at Bush EVERYDAY?

Why do we have to wait for Iraqis to do what every public servant should be doing?

[A Brand New World]

19. I want to know why ** is not being investigated for at least having

the common sense to duck behind the podium before the second one was launched. The SS is expected to respond in the blink of an eye, so he should too. But I know we're talking about an idiot here.

[saigon68]

25. Idiot ? What can you expect from a CHIMPANZEE

[radfringe]

21. sounds to me that someone in the SS will be given the boot... n/t

[damntexdem]

23. Maybe they should hire more gumshoes.

;-)