NEW: Secret Service HQ told agents NOT to request more security for Butler rally where Trump was shot: whistleblower

According to the letter from Hawley sent to Acting USSS Director Ron Rowe, "One whistleblower with knowledge of Secret Service planning for former President Trump's trip to Butler, Pennsylvania alleges that officials at Secret Service headquarters encouraged agents in charge of the trip not to request any additional security assets in its formal manpower request— effectively denying these assets through informal means."

"Yet you have repeatedly suggested that no security assets had been denied for the Butler event. You must explain this apparent contradiction immediately," Hawley wrote in reference to Rowe's previous testimony before the Senate on July 30.

The letter added, "According to the whistleblower, the lead advance agent for a protectee trip typically submits a 'manpower request' to the local field office. This normally includes the number of personnel and other security assets needed for the event and is submitted to the US Secret Service's Office of Protective Operations."

During Rowe's testimony, he had stated, when asked about if the Butler rally had been denied requests for more resources, "If you're talking about Butler, Pennsylvania, all assets requested were approved." Rowe added at the time that he had been "very transparent and forthcoming" with Congress. However, the new allegations from the whistleblower bring the testimony into question.

Several USSS agents have been placed on leave after weeks following the incident. Additionally, former USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following a disastrous hearing in Congress where she was questioned about the security failures.