Top Points:
Secret Service Warning: The Secret Service identified the gunman as suspicious one hour before the shooting at former President Trump's rally but lost sight of him.
Congressional Criticism: Lawmakers, particularly Republicans, criticized the briefing for being uninformative and demanded accountability and new leadership at the Secret Service.
Ongoing Investigations: Multiple investigations and hearings are being launched, including a special task force with subpoena power, to scrutinize the Secret Service's handling of the incident.
Full Report:
WASHINGTON— On July 17, the Secret Service briefed Congress, revealing that they had identified the gunman as suspicious one hour before he opened fire on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) shared these details after attending the briefing.
Key Points from the Briefing:
The gunman, carrying a range finder and a backpack, was flagged by the Secret Service but subsequently lost from sight.Senator Barrasso stated, “Someone has died. The President was almost killed,” and called for the resignation of the Secret Service head.
Congressional Reactions:
The private briefing, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, aimed to inform lawmakers about the assassination attempt and ongoing investigation. Republican lawmakers criticized the briefing for its lack of substance and limited opportunity for questions. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) called the briefing “unbelievably uninformative,” noting only four questions were allowed. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) described it as filled with “smoke and mirrors” and lacking accountability.
Calls for Accountability:
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other Republicans demanded new leadership at the Secret Service, emphasizing the need for answers and accountability. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressed shock that the Secret Service was aware of a threat before Trump took the stage.
Ongoing Investigations and Actions:
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has launched an investigation. A special task force with subpoena power will be created on July 22 to investigate the incident. Secret Service Director Ms. Cheatle, who has taken responsibility for rally security, has stated she will not resign despite the criticism. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed full confidence in Ms. Cheatle.
Future Hearings:
Several House committees have scheduled hearings with Ms. Cheatle, beginning on July 22, and a subpoena has been issued compelling her appearance. The Secret Service is under intense scrutiny for its handling of the incident, with many lawmakers demanding more transparency and accountability.
Original Story by Arjun Singh, The Epoch Times.
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