Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is under fire after allegations surfaced that he denied enhanced Secret Service protection for former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally where a shooting took place.
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) claims that the denial of stronger protection, despite requests for it, led to the shooting incident that resulted in one death, two injuries, and Trump being grazed by a bullet, as Fox News reports.
Waltz accused Secretary Mayorkas several times for not ensuring adequate security measures for Trump. According to Waltz, these requests for higher security were ignored even though they were made multiple times.
Saturday's rally in Pennsylvania turned tragic when a shooter opened fire, causing the death of one person and injuring two others. The assailant was killed on the scene. Trump was fortunate to have only been grazed by a bullet during the chaos.
The House Homeland Security Committee confirmed plans to investigate the allegations surrounding the provision of Secret Service protection for Trump. A source from the committee discussed the need for thorough oversight into the events before and after the attack.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) emphasized the necessity of understanding what led to this security lapse.
He expressed that the Committee will formally invite Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle to testify about the situation.
Rep. Waltz chose not to elaborate further on his specific allegations but maintained his firm stance on the need for an investigation.
U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi refuted claims about the inadequacy in addressing the security needs. He asserted that no such requests from Trump’s team were rebuffed; in fact, additional resources and advanced protective technology were employed due to the ramped-up campaign schedule.
In response to the incident, Trump issued a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their quick action. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.
Trump later described the terrifying moment, noting a bullet piercing through the upper part of his right ear. He recalled the pain and subsequent bleeding, which made him quickly realize he had been shot.
A witness account confirmed that amid the chaos, Trump's quick move to safety was critical. The safety protocols in place played a key role in minimizing injuries.
The aftermath of the shooting has stirred a bipartisan discourse on the adequacy of protective measures for public figures, reinforcing the heightened need for security during campaign events.
