A conservative legal watchdog group is suing the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to obtain records related to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Bodycam footage from Butler Township police officers has revealed confusion among officers regarding the unmanned roof of the AGR building, from where gunman Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate President Trump on July 13.
America First Legal (AFL), a conservative legal watchdog group, has filed a lawsuit against the Secret Service and DHS, alleging that they have illegally concealed government records related to the attempted assassination. The group has submitted numerous public records requests but has yet to receive any documents.
Secret Service and DHS Sued over Unmanned Roof in Attempted Trump Assassination
AFL's lawsuit seeks to hold the Secret Service and DHS accountable for the security lapses that allowed Crooks to come within striking distance of former President Trump. The group alleges that the agencies failed to adequately protect the president, despite warnings about potential threats.
AFL has requested documents pertaining to the Secret Service's staffing shortages, hiring and employment standards, and communications between key DHS officials. The group believes that these documents will shed light on the security failures that led to the attempted assassination.
Secret Service and DHS Sued over Unmanned Roof in Attempted Trump Assassination
According to AFL, the Secret Service has refused to process their expedited public records' requests, claiming that there is no immediate threat to life or safety. The group argues that the urgency of the matter warrants expedited processing.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been pressing government agencies for documents related to the attempted assassination and potential security lapses. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has accused DHS of "stonewalling," while Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) has raised concerns about the lack of information released about the investigation.
Secret Service and DHS Sued over Unmanned Roof in Attempted Trump Assassination
In light of the recent second assassination attempt against former President Trump at his golf course in Florida, AFL has emphasized the need for increased transparency and accountability. The group argues that the documents they are seeking will help ensure that the Secret Service and DHS are adequately trained and staffed to protect the president.
Former President Trump has blamed the Biden-Harris administration's rhetoric for the latest assassination attempt. AFL has echoed this sentiment, stating that the group's requests will help determine whether the current administration has sufficiently addressed threats to Trump's safety.
Secret Service and DHS Sued over Unmanned Roof in Attempted Trump Assassination
AFL maintains that the American public and Congress deserve full transparency regarding the security measures surrounding former President Trump. The group believes that the documents they are seeking will shed light on the failures that led to the attempted assassination and help prevent future security breaches.
