Senator Richard Blumenthal, Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), has expressed frustration with the Biden-Harris administration and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over their lack of transparency regarding recent assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump. Blumenthal accused the DHS of obstructing the investigation, calling their resistance "almost derelict in its duty."

Blumenthal and other lawmakers have raised concerns about the Secret Service's failures in the wake of two assassination attempts on the former president, FOX News reported.

The investigation stems from two separate attempts on Trump's life, one in July and another more recently in West Palm Beach, Florida. Both Democrats and Republicans have voiced concerns over the lack of information provided by DHS and the Secret Service. Blumenthal, along with PSI Ranking Member Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis., is leading the effort to uncover what went wrong and hold the agencies accountable.

Concerns Grow Over Lack of DHS Cooperation

The first assassination attempt occurred on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, prompting the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and its PSI subcommittee to investigate. Blumenthal and Johnson have repeatedly requested documents and evidence from DHS to understand how security protocols failed during these incidents. Blumenthal has accused DHS of "stonewalling" these requests.

Blumenthal indicated that the PSI might use its subpoena power to compel DHS cooperation if the resistance continues. "We may need to require more cooperation from them," Blumenthal stated, adding that the subcommittee has the authority to subpoena the necessary information.

Johnson, echoing Blumenthal's frustrations, described DHS as "holding all their cards close to the vest." He argued that the lack of transparency is fueling conspiracy theories and sowing public distrust.

Second Assassination Attempt Heightens Tensions

The second assassination attempt occurred at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on Sunday. Secret Service agents fired at a suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, who allegedly pointed an AK-47 through a chain-link fence near the area where Trump was golfing. Routh fled the scene but was later apprehended.

This recent incident has intensified scrutiny of the Secret Service and DHS, especially after an unsatisfactory briefing with Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe. Lawmakers, including Blumenthal and Johnson, reportedly felt "frustrated and disappointed" by the failures revealed during the meeting.

Bipartisan Calls for Transparency Increase

In response to the lack of cooperation, Johnson explained that all four relevant offices sent a letter to DHS and the Secret Service seeking information. However, the agencies' response arrived within four hours and Johnson described it as "disrespectful." This quick and unsatisfactory reply further angered both Blumenthal and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters, D-Mich.

Johnson expressed hope that Congressional pressure would compel DHS to be more forthcoming with their investigation. "I think that's the reaction you heard last week," Johnson said. "They're not happy with the way they're treating them."

Subpoenas May Be on the Horizon

Blumenthal and Johnson have suggested that subpoenas might be necessary to obtain the full picture of what transpired. Blumenthal emphasized that the subcommittee would not hesitate to use its subpoena power if DHS continues to withhold crucial information.

Frustration spans both parties, with both Democrats and Republicans calling for accountability. Johnson warned that DHS’s current approach not only hinders the investigation but also fuels suspicion. He expressed concern that withholding information could spread conspiracy theories, further complicating the investigation.

Secret Service and DHS Silent on Criticism

Despite repeated requests for comment, both DHS and the Secret Service have remained silent on accusations of stonewalling. Neither agency has publicly addressed the concerns raised by Blumenthal, Johnson, or Peters.

This silence has heightened lawmakers' frustrations as they continue to seek answers regarding the lapses in security that allowed two assassination attempts. Blumenthal has made it clear that the subcommittee’s investigation will persist, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

Lawmakers Push for Accountability

The investigation into the July assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, uncovered significant security failures. Blumenthal, determined to hold those responsible for protecting former President Trump accountable, has made these failures a focal point.

Other committee members have echoed Blumenthal's call for transparency, sharing his concerns about the administration's reluctance to cooperate. While the full scope of the security lapses remains unclear, lawmakers are preparing for the possibility that further investigative action, including subpoenas, may be necessary.

Future of the Investigation Remains Uncertain

As the investigation progresses, the Biden-Harris administration and DHS face increasing pressure to cooperate. Lawmakers grow more frustrated with the lack of transparency, and the possibility of subpoenas looms large.

Whether DHS will comply with future requests or if the subcommittee will escalate its efforts remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: both Democrats and Republicans on the PSI are committed to uncovering the truth behind the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.