As reported by the Washington Examiner, a group of House Republicans is set to conduct an independent investigation into the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Led by Representatives Cory Mills and Eli Crane, this unofficial task force plans to hold its first field hearing next week, running parallel to the official bipartisan investigation.
The independent group's forum is scheduled at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., featuring testimonies from former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, ex-Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince, and Washington regional SWAT operator Ben Shaffer. Notably, this event coincides with the official bipartisan task force's planned visit to the shooting site in Butler, Pennsylvania, where they will meet with local officials and hold a press conference.
The emergence of this separate investigation raises questions about the unity of efforts to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt. While the official bipartisan task force, established by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, possesses subpoena power, the independent group lacks such authority.
Representative Mills, who expressed disappointment at not being selected for the official panel, has taken the initiative to lead this parallel investigation. He has garnered support from other Republican representatives, including Andy Biggs, Chip Roy, and Matt Gaetz.
Mills stated his intentions clearly, saying he would personally fund additional staff if necessary to further investigate and expose the truth. This commitment underscores the seriousness with which some lawmakers are approaching the investigation, even outside official channels.
The official bipartisan task force, comprising seven Republicans and six Democrats, is led by Representatives Mike Kelly and Jason Crow. This group has been entrusted with a significant mandate to investigate the federal agencies overseeing the event that led to the assassination attempt.
With subpoena powers at their disposal, the official task force is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the security failures that occurred during the rally. The group's findings are anticipated to have substantial implications for future security protocols surrounding high-profile political events.
The task force's investigation is set to conclude by December 13, with interim reports to be released periodically. This timeline provides a structured approach to the investigation, ensuring regular updates to the public and relevant stakeholders.
Rep. Mills offered the following statement regarding his independent investigation:
I wish the members of Speaker Johnson's Task Force well, and think it's time for a parallel independent investigation with subject matter experts (SME) and the whistleblowers who've already come forward that myself and Rep. Eli Crane and Benny Johnson have spoken with. I will be speaking with other members, and although I won't have subpoena powers, I will personally fund whatever is required for additional staff to further investigate and expose the truth.
The security failures surrounding the assassination attempt have led to intense scrutiny of the Secret Service. This scrutiny culminated in the resignation of Agency Director Kimberly Cheatle following a contentious hearing before the House Oversight Committee.
The resignation of such a high-ranking official underscores the severity of the situation and the potential for significant changes in security protocols moving forward. It also highlights the political pressure that has mounted in the wake of the assassination attempt.
In conclusion, the parallel investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump reflect the complex and politically charged nature of the inquiry. While the official bipartisan task force continues its work with subpoena power, the independent group led by Representatives Mills and Crane is forging ahead with its own investigation. The concurrent field hearing and site visit scheduled for next week underscore the urgency lawmakers feel in uncovering the truth behind security failures.
