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Republicans Demand Probe of Secret Service in Wake of Trump Assassination Attempt

 July 16, 2024

Republicans in Congress have called for multiple hearings with Secret Service officials following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which many say highlighted significant security oversights.

A gunman's attempt to assassinate Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has triggered a sweeping, GOP-driven investigation into how such a devastating security lapse was allowed to occur, as the Daily Mail reports.

During a Saturday night rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an individual fired at Trump from a rooftop approximately 130 yards away from the stage. The shooter managed to wound Trump in the ear and fatally injure an event attendee.

Former Navy SEAL and current Rep. Ryan Zinke emphasized the grave security oversight that gave the shooter rooftop access. This breach, according to Zinke, represented an unprecedented failure. House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer swiftly announced plans for a comprehensive hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to scrutinize the security protocols that failed to prevent the attack.

Secret Service Scrutinized for Security Oversight

The House Homeland Security Committee has also indicated its plans to conduct a hearing involving the Secret Service to further understand the failures that led to the incident.

Comer organized the official hearing for Monday, July 22, and that is when leaders from the U.S. Secret Service are expected to provide detailed explanations regarding the incident.

After the shooting, Trump was immediately taken to the hospital with an injury to his right ear. He described the sensation of the bullet as it "ripped through" his skin, highlighting the severity of the attack.

Political Leaders Promise Thorough Investigation

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson responded to the crisis by promising a thorough investigation and immediate hearings with officials from the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Rep. Ritchie Torres and Sen. Rick Scott echoed the call for a detailed examination of the security failures at the rally. Both legislators emphasized the importance of understanding and preventing such lapses in the future.

The collective outcry from various members of Congress underscores the urgency and necessity of these investigations. They aim not only to understand what went wrong but also to ensure such an event never happens again.

Demands for Accountability and Answers

"The shooter being able to access a 'nearby roof' to take aim at Trump was an 'absolute failure of security,'" stated Zinke, expressing the shock and disbelief shared by many at the ease of the attacker's positioning.

"There are many questions and Americans demand answers," stated Comer, as he stressed the importance of the upcoming hearing with Cheatle.

Johnson took to social media to announce, "THE HOUSE WILL CONDUCT A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS TODAY," and assured the public that "The American people deserve to know the truth."

Committee Hearings to Reveal Security Details

"The security failures surrounding the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate demand an investigation," remarked Torres, who pointed out the importance of learning from such lapses to safeguard national security.

Zinke noted the abnormality of the situation, stating, "I cannot think of a single time where a point of elevation so close in range would have been accessible and not already occupied by security forces." He reaffirmed the commitment to a thorough investigation.

Further expressing the gravity of the situation, Speaker Mike Johnson declared, "We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP," ensuring a rapid response to the incident.

Future Implications for Presidential Security

"The American people and our leadership deserve better," said Zinke, highlighting the broader implications of the security breach for future presidential protection protocols.

The forthcoming hearings and investigations are anticipated to shed light on the failures and potentially lead to significant changes in how former presidents and other high-profile figures are protected during public events.

This comprehensive response from Congress aims to not only address the current failures but also fortify security measures to prevent future incidents.

In conclusion, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has catalyzed a series of congressional hearings and investigations aimed at dissecting the security breakdown and ensuring such failures are rectified. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling for transparency, improvements in security protocols, and accountability to restore public trust in the protection provided to national leaders.