Presidential security

[RJNorton]

I am curious how people feel about John F. Parker. Personally I differ from some of the top assassination experts on his role that fateful night. Several experts whom I admire greatly are willing to give Parker a pass, saying his role that night was simply to accompany the President to Ford's Theatre. Once Lincoln and party were seated Parker's job was over, and he was on his own until it was time to return to the White House. I have trouble with this. Parker was a Washington police officer; I feel his assignment that night was to protect the President throughout the evening. He blew off his assignment. Any thoughts?