A government-appointed watchdog in the United States has launched an investigation into the Secret Service's handling of security for former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, where he was shot. The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general aims to evaluate the security processes in place for the event.
This investigation follows the shocking attempted assassination of Trump, the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nominee. The gunman, positioned on a rooftop with a direct line of sight to the rally stage, managed to shoot Trump in the ear, resulting in the death of one attendee and serious injuries to two others. This incident has stirred significant concern and prompted calls for answers regarding the security measures taken.
President Joe Biden has ordered an independent review of the rally’s security protocols. Meanwhile, lawmakers are demanding immediate explanations from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. The House Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Congressman James Comer, has requested that these officials testify on July 23 about the security breach.
Republicans on the committee have emphasized the need for transparency, declaring that "the American people deserve answers." Additionally, US senators are set to be briefed by the Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Justice to gain further insights into the incident.
In a statement to ABC News, Director Cheatle described the rapid response of the Secret Service, noting the challenges in quickly identifying and neutralizing the threat. She clarified that while the Secret Service managed the inner perimeter, local authorities were tasked with securing the outer perimeter, leading to some confusion over responsibility.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger has asserted that the Secret Service was primarily responsible for the security of the venue, highlighting ongoing disputes between federal and local law enforcement agencies regarding their roles.
This high-profile security breach at Trump’s rally underscores the urgent need for a thorough reassessment of current protocols to prevent future incidents. The findings of this investigation are highly anticipated as the nation seeks to understand and address the vulnerabilities exposed by this event.