Secret Service director says putting agency in charge of security ahead of Capitol riot could have allowed for more resources

The US Secret Service director, testifying for the first time in public since the January 6 insurrection, told members of Congress on Thursday that putting his agency in charge of security preparations prior to the attack would have helped to better protect the Capitol.

But agency director James Murray also acknowledged additional precautions could have been taken regardless of who was in charge. Federal officials have faced widespread criticism and scrutiny over their lack of preparedness prior to the attack and evidence they missed warning signs that appeared on social media sites in the days leading up to the riot.