WASHINGTON.- The inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that he has opened an investigation into how the Secret Service handled security for former President Donald Trump on the day of the attack at an election event in Pennsylvania.
In a brief announcement posted on the inspector general’s website, the agency says the purpose of the investigation will be “to evaluate the Secret Service’s process for providing security for former President Trump’s campaign event on July 13, 2024.”
It was not specified when the investigation began. The notice was included in a long list of cases that the inspector general is investigating.
President Joe Biden had already ordered an independent investigation into security at the campaign event.
The attack raised questions about how the attacker was able to climb onto a nearby roof with a clear view of the former president, who was wounded.
The attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was able to get within 157 yards (135 meters) of Trump. That was despite a threat from Iran that led to extra security measures around the former president in the days leading up to the event.
A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and Secret Service snipers killed the attacker. Trump said the top of his right ear was pierced in the attack. One event attendee was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle said the agency understands the importance of the investigation ordered by Biden and will cooperate fully with that probe, as well as others launched by congressional committees. She said the agency is working to understand how Saturday’s shooting occurred and to ensure something like it doesn’t happen again.
The agency of about 7,800 employees is responsible for protecting presidents, vice presidents, their families, former presidents, their spouses and children under the age of 16, and certain other high-level officials such as the secretary of Homeland Security.
trump raises fist – ezgif-GIF by Grethel
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