House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has named the Republican members selected to join a bipartisan task force focused on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The task force is dedicated to ensuring a comprehensive investigation of the Pennsylvania incident, in hopes of preventing it from being overlooked by the media or political adversaries, as Breitbart reports.

On Monday, Johnson announced the formation of the task force, entrusting it with the grave responsibility of probing the attempt on Trump's life. Central to the task force's coordination is Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), who will serve as its chair.

Kelly's appointment stems from the incident's occurrence in his hometown, coupled with his extensive connections within the local law enforcement community. In addition to his chairmanship, Kelly is noted for having authored the resolution that led to the creation of this task force.

Members Plan to Ensure Thorough Investigation

Joining Kelly are other notable Republican representatives bringing diverse backgrounds and expertise to the deliberation table. The members include Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), a former Army major and current Homeland Security Committee chairman, and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), an experienced attorney and former county prosecutor. Their legal and security credentials are expected to be pivotal to the investigation's success.

Adding further depth to the panel, the task force includes Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), who previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney and judge. Her experience in the judiciary is anticipated to provide critical insights into the procedural aspects of the probe.

Expertise from Varied Backgrounds

The panel's collective expertise also encompasses military experience, as evidenced by Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), a retired Green Beret colonel, and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), who brings his background as a former Army veteran and law enforcement officer into the mix. Their operational experience is expected to assist in understanding the complexities and the logistical elements of the assassination attempt.

Rounding out the panel, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), a former Air Force officer, adds to the panel's robust military representation. His inclusion is seen as providing a strategic layer to the investigation, considering his service background.

Notable Exclusions Raise Questions

Noticeably absent from the list of appointed members are Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Eli Crane (R-AZ).

Both have been independently investigating the assassination attempt and have military backgrounds—Mills as a former military veteran and Crane as a former Navy SEAL sniper.

Mills’ Response to Exclusion

Mills expressed his frustration over his exclusion in a series of remarks, pointing out the political nature of Washington, D.C. "It’s very unfortunate but not surprising for anyone familiar with how DC works," Mills stated, hinting at the bureaucratic intricacies involved in the selection process. He reflected on his outsider status, saying, "I’m not a politician, leader, or a ‘yes man’."

Despite this setback, Mills extended his best wishes to the task force's efforts. He also advocated for a parallel independent investigation, citing the importance of including subject matter experts and whistleblowers who had previously come forward to him, Crane, and others.

“I wish the members of @SpeakerJohnson Task Force well, and think it’s time for a parallel independent investigation with subject matter experts (SME) and the whistleblowers who’ve already come forward that myself and @EliCrane_CEO and @bennyjohnson have spoken with,” Mills commented.

Pledge to Continue Independent Efforts

Mills, although sidelined, pledged to continue his independent investigative efforts. He emphasized his commitment, stating, “I will be speaking with other members, and although I won’t have subpoena powers, I will personally fund whatever is required for additional staff to further investigation and expose the truth.”

Johnson believes the selected panel members are well-positioned to spearhead a thorough and unbiased investigation. However, the absence of Mills and Crane has sparked discussions on the inclusivity and transparency of the appointment process.

Investigation to Ensure Accountability

The bipartisan nature of the task force underlines the commitment to ensuring all aspects of the incident are examined rigorously, with members from both sides working towards a common goal.

Ensuring that the investigation is not swept under the rug by media or political adversaries is a critical part of the task force’s mission. It stands as a symbol of accountability and due process in the face of attempts to undermine public safety and the democratic process.

Conclusion

In summary, the formation of this bipartisan task force marks a significant move towards addressing and investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. With a mix of military, legal, and law enforcement expertise, the task force is poised to carry out its mission with diligence and rigor. Despite the exclusion of some experienced individuals, the ultimate objective remains clear: to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation that upholds the principles of justice.

This development underscores the gravity of the incident and the unwavering commitment of the appointed members to bring the facts to light, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the investigative process. The situation highlights both the collaborative efforts and the underlying political dynamics at play in Washington, D.C.