Top officials from President Joe Biden’s administration are set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

The event resulted in injuries to Trump and two others, and the death of a retired fire chief who shielded his family from the gunfire, and now lawmakers want to hear more about the incident from officials inside the White House, as Breitbart reports.

Call for Testimony and Oversight

Commitee chair Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, has requested that FBI Director Christopher Wray, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas come forward to testify. The oversight hearing is scheduled for July 23, and it aims to gather comprehensive details on the incident and the apparent security failures associated with it.

The assassination attempt on Trump took place during his speech at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired a shot that grazed Trump's ear, causing a commotion among the attendees.

During the incident, Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old retired fire chief, heroically acted to protect his family. Tragically, he was killed by the gunfire, leaving behind a legacy of bravery. Additionally, two others, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, sustained injuries and are currently in stable condition.

Details of the Incident and Suspect

The alleged perpetrator, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was identified quickly after the shooting. The Secret Service responded rapidly, and Crooks was shot and killed shortly after the incident. The precise motivation behind Crooks' attack is still under investigation.

The FBI, Secret Service, and Department of Homeland Security have come under scrutiny for the security lapses that allowed Crooks to access a roof with a rifle near Trump's location.

Onlookers had reported Crooks to local authorities prior to the incident, raising questions about how and why the threat was not mitigated before the situation escalated.

Green emphasized the need for accountability and thorough investigation into the incident. “The American people want answers on what happened Saturday in Pennsylvania,” he stated.

“Secretary Mayorkas and Director Cheatle are responsible for the department and the agency charged with securing our homeland and protecting our nation’s chief executives and candidates," Green said.

Investigation and Accountability Measures

Beyond the testimony, Green has sent a letter to Secretary Mayorkas requesting all documents related to the security plan for the Trump rally.

This includes the briefing materials used to inform President Biden about the assassination attempt. These documents are expected to provide further insight into the security protocols and any potential lapses.

Green highlighted the significance of the oversight hearing. “It is imperative that we partner to understand what went wrong, and how Congress can work with the departments and agencies to ensure this never happens again. Successful oversight requires Congress to work together with these officials as they testify publicly before the House Committee on Homeland Security. The American people, and the individuals and families who receive protective services, deserve nothing less.”

The backdrop of the incident brings to light the chilling reality of threats against high-profile political figures. Green poignantly remarked, “The seriousness of this security failure and chilling moment in our nation’s history cannot be understated. No assassination attempt has come so close to taking the life of a president or presidential candidate since President Reagan was shot in 1981. Had the bullet’s trajectory been slightly different, the assassination attempt on President Trump might have succeeded.”

Conclusion of the Investigation

As the July 23 hearing approaches, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events that led to the incident and ensuring measures are taken to prevent any future occurrences. The testimonies from Wray, Cheatle, and Mayorkas are anticipated to shed light on the oversight and preparatory measures in place during the rally.

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump has raised significant questions regarding the security frameworks for political figures.

The investigation seeks to address these questions and strengthen protective measures moving forward. Accountability and transparency in the review process are essential in providing the American public with the assurance that such a breach will not happen again.

Ultimately, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for constant evaluation and improvement of security protocols. The tragic loss of Corey Comperatore and the injuries sustained by others highlight the human cost of these security failures.

As the inquiry proceeds, the goal is to honor those affected by ensuring robust protective measures are firmly in place.