Amidst ongoing investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, lawmakers face challenges in accessing key documents and raising concerns over planning lapses. A House committee hearing on Monday will further delve into the incident.
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, continues to raise questions and concerns as investigators seek to uncover a clear picture of the events that unfolded.
According to a lawmaker who attended Wednesday's FBI briefing, Congress has been denied access to the integral Ops Report, a detailed document outlining the protection plan for the rally. This report would provide crucial insights into the security measures in place and any potential lapses.
Unanswered Questions Linger in Trump Assassination Attempt as Congress Faces Obstacles
Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD inspector and attorney, expressed concerns about the absence of an Ops Report or its failure to cover the specific rooftop area from which the gunman fired. He emphasized that such a plan should clearly define responsibilities and identify who was tasked with securing the area.
The FBI declined to comment on the existence of the Ops Report, but Mauro stated that he obtained the information from a highly trusted source.
Unanswered Questions Linger in Trump Assassination Attempt as Congress Faces Obstacles
The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to bypass security measures despite reported sightings as early as an hour before the shooting. One bullet narrowly missed Trump's ear, while a beloved former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, tragically died while shielding his family from a hail of gunfire.
Mauro criticized the response to the incident, citing concerns about the lack of a dedicated evacuation plan, an incident commander, and proper resources. He believes that the Secret Service's quick attempt to blame local police is a sign of "cover your a** mode."
Unanswered Questions Linger in Trump Assassination Attempt as Congress Faces Obstacles
Lawmakers' efforts to scrutinize the incident have encountered obstacles, with the Secret Service Director avoiding questions about potential planning lapses. The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), will hold a hearing on Monday to question Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has complied with the committee's subpoena.
"It is good that Comer immediately announced that he would have oversight looking at this," said Mauro. "Realistically, they can say they're doing it in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police, blah, blah, blah, but the FBI is doing this, and I'm sorry … I don't trust their leadership."
Unanswered Questions Linger in Trump Assassination Attempt as Congress Faces Obstacles
The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General has also initiated a review of the Secret Service's security measures during the rally, including the preparedness and operations of the Counter Sniper Team.
As investigations continue, unanswered questions remain, and Congress faces challenges in accessing vital information. The Monday hearing will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to press for accountability and ensure that all aspects of this attempted assassination are thoroughly examined.
Unanswered Questions Linger in Trump Assassination Attempt as Congress Faces Obstacles
