The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has commenced an independent investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
The Washington Examiner reported that the investigation, directed by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, enlists former Homeland Security officials and will span 45 days.
Mayorkas revealed the experts who will steer this inquiry into the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. President Joe Biden mandated the probe last week in response to the attack that left one dead and two injured. A 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks has been identified as the shooter.
The panel includes respected figures such as former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Frances Townsend, who served as homeland security adviser under President George W. Bush, Mark Filip, a former federal judge and deputy attorney general during Bush's tenure, and David Mitchell, the former superintendent of the Maryland State Police and a prior secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
The 45-day investigation began following the DHS announcement on Sunday evening. The panel is tasked with discerning the events leading up to the shooting and offering recommendations to avert similar incidents in the future. Mayorkas has indicated that additional members may be invited to join the panel as needed.
"We are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened on July 13," Mayorkas conveyed, praising the experts for bringing their extensive law enforcement and security experience to the task.
He also noted that the independent review aims to ensure the effective execution of the agency's critical mission.
The DHS and Secret Service are under intense scrutiny due to the security breach. Trump’s team had previously requested heightened security, which the Secret Service denied. Consequently, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced substantial pressure to step down, though she has resisted calls to resign.
Cheatle took responsibility for the lapse, stating, "The buck stops with me," and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review and adequate resource allocation for personnel.
Despite admitting the incident was “unacceptable,” she remains at the helm of the agency.
Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesman, confirmed that the agency often has to adapt by using state or local partners to maintain security, especially when specific resources are unavailable. These modifications aim to continue safeguarding public figures without compromising security.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has also announced the formation of a special task force to consolidate congressional investigations pertaining to this incident. The shootings at the rally have necessitated wider reflection and an overhaul of the protocols that secure public officials.
The independent investigation aims to not only scrutinize the immediate circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt but also to propose actionable reforms.
Ensuring the enduring effectiveness of the Secret Service and other security agencies remains a central focus.
Mayorkas reiterated the importance of this effort, stating the review will offer critical insights and recommendations to prevent future incidents. The collaborative effort of high-caliber security professionals underscores the seriousness and magnitude of this investigation.
In summary, the investigation initiated by DHS Secretary Mayorkas involves a diverse panel of seasoned homeland security officials. This inquiry, lasting for 45 days, strives to address the failures that led to the rally shooting in Pennsylvania. The focus will be on diagnosing security lapses and implementing robust measures to safeguard public officials more effectively.
The stakes are high as the DHS endeavors to restore confidence in their protective measures. Both the personnel and the agency's systemic approaches will be under review to ensure not just accountability but also the advancement of security protocols.
