Bipartisan Task Force Probes Security Failures in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
July 23, 2024The U.S. House of Representatives is forming a bipartisan task force to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced questioning from the House Oversight Committee regarding security failures and has been urged to resign.
Concerns were raised about security lapses, such as the ease of rooftop access and missed opportunities like deploying countersnipers during the assassination attempt.
Initial findings revealed that the Secret Service did not plan to send snipers to the rally and encountered communication problems with local law enforcement.
Members of Congress are scheduled for separate briefings with top U.S. Secret Service and FBI officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Former Navy SEAL sniper criticized the security failures during the assassination attempt and pledged to enhance oversight to prevent future incidents.
The sniper who targeted Trump, Thomas Crooks, was neutralized by Secret Service countersnipers, emphasizing a critical security breakdown.
An independent review by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been initiated alongside the House Republicans' investigation.
The assassination attempt has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures and access control within the U.S. Secret Service.
A bipartisan task force, consisting of seven Republicans and six Democrats, aims to uncover security failures, ensure accountability, and prevent future attempts.
House GOP leaders have introduced a bill to streamline the process for a two-thirds chamber passage vote, bypassing procedural hurdles.
Senator Ron Johnson released initial findings indicating security lapses by the Secret Service, including missed briefings and delayed responses to threats.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources
Yahoo News • Jul 17, 2024
US House task force to investigate Trump assassination attemptFox News • Jul 22, 2024
Bipartisan commission to study Trump assassination attempt teed up for House voteFox News • Jul 23, 2024
Former SEAL sniper says Trump was 'extremely vulnerable' during visit to PA shooting site