The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) inspector general has opened an investigation into the U.S. Secret Service’s security measures during former President Donald Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania where an assassination attempt was carried out on July 13.
The investigation aims to evaluate the Secret Service’s “process for securing former President Trump’s July 13, 2024 campaign event,” according to a brief notice posted on the inspector general’s website.
The announcement did not specify the start date of the investigation. President Joe Biden has also issued a directive for an independent review of the security protocols at the rally.
The attempted assassination has raised questions about how the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to position himself on a rooftop with a clear line of sight to former President Trump.
Mr. Crooks opened fire from a distance of about 160 yards from the stage where former President Trump was speaking, despite heightened security measures due to reported credible assassination threats from Iran against the former president.
Former President Trump sustained an injury to the upper part of his right ear while multiple rallygoers were injured and one man was killed.
Secret Service agents escorted former President Trump off the stage and agency snipers neutralized the shooter.
“We are dedicated to understanding how this breach occurred and implementing measures to prevent any similar incidents in the future,” Ms. Cheatle stated.
