The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General initiated an investigation on Wednesday into the Secret Service’s procedures following the deadly shooting incident at a Trump campaign rally on July 13.
During the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, one spectator was killed and several others, including former President Trump, were injured in what appears to be an assassination attempt.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a statement on Saturday, confirming DHS’s collaboration with law enforcement agencies in response to the shooting:
“U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania. DHS and the Secret Service are coordinating with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting. We strongly condemn this violence and commend the Secret Service for their swift response. Ensuring the safety and security of Presidential candidates and their campaign events remains one of our highest priorities.”
The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Matthew Crooks, was swiftly subdued by Secret Service agents after firing shots. Despite enhanced security measures in place due to prior threats, Crooks managed to approach within 135 meters of former President Trump.
The FBI is investigating the incident as potential domestic terrorism and has conducted over 100 interviews with law enforcement, event attendees, and witnesses. They have also conducted searches of Crooks’ phone, vehicle, and residence.
President Biden has stressed the significance of the investigation and cautioned against premature conclusions about Crooks’ motives. He has authorized an independent review and instructed the Secret Service to conduct a comprehensive assessment of security protocols for the ongoing Republican National Convention.
Additional security measures have been implemented at the convention, including extensive fencing, advanced screening technologies, and increased deployment of security personnel from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and local law enforcement.
