The shooting has sparked concerns over how the gunman managed to position himself on a roof with a clear view of the former president, who sustained injuries during the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has initiated an investigation into the U.S. Secret Service’s handling of security for former President Donald Trump on the day of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.
In a brief notice posted on its website, the inspector general’s office stated the goal of the investigation is to “Evaluate the United States Secret Service’s (Secret Service) process for securing former President Trump’s July 13, 2024, campaign event.” President Joe Biden had already called for an independent review of the security measures at the rally.
The shooting has sparked concerns over how the gunman managed to position himself on a roof with a clear view of the former president, who sustained injuries during the incident.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where Trump was speaking before opening fire. This occurred despite heightened security for Trump due to a threat from Iran in the days leading up to the event.
Trump, who was injured, was swiftly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers subsequently killed the shooter. Trump reported that the upper part of his right ear was pierced during the shooting. One rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured.
Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle acknowledged the importance of the review ordered by President Biden and assured full cooperation with the investigation, as well as with congressional committees examining the incident. She stated, “The agency was working to understand how Saturday’s shooting happened and to make sure something like it never does again.”
The Secret Service, which has approximately 7,800 employees, is responsible for protecting current and former presidents, vice presidents, their families, former presidents’ spouses and minor children under the age of 16, and a few other high-level officials, including the Homeland Security secretary.
