The US Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General announced an investigation Wednesday into the Secret Service’s process for securing the Trump campaign rally on July 13 where one spectator was killed and several others, including the former president, were injured in an apparent assassination attempt.
It is unclear when this investigation began as it is listed with ongoing projects. However, Security of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, released a statement Saturday stating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was working with law enforcement on the matter:
U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I have briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania. DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting. We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift action today. We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security. Maintaining the security of the Presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s most vital priorities.
The attempted assassination took place during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old male who was identified as the shooter, was neutralized by the Secret Service shortly after the initial gunshots were fired. Despite additional security at the rally after a threat from Iran, Crooks was able to get within 135 meters of former President Trump.
There are currently many questions regarding this incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been investigating the attempted assassination of former President Trump as possible domestic terrorism. As of Monday, the FBI conducted over 100 interviews of law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses. They had also gained access to Crooks’ phone and had completed the search of Crooks’ vehicle and home.
President Biden emphasized the importance of this investigation and cautioned against making assumptions regarding Crooks’ motives until the investigation is complete. He authorized an independent review of the incident and directed the head of the Secret Service to do a thorough review of security measures for the ongoing Republican National Convention. Several additional security measures were put into place at the convention, including miles of anti-scale fencing, screening technology, and tactical support. Additional security personnel were also deployed at the convention, including agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and state and local law enforcement agencies.
