MIAMI.- The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump shook the country, leading to the formation of a special committee in Congress to investigate the incident that called into question the Secret Service.
The committee, made up of seven Republicans and six Democrats, includes three representatives from Florida, who have promised to address the issue with the utmost seriousness and responsibility.
House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Republican Reps. Laurel Lee of Thonotosassa and Michael Waltz of St. Augustine Beach to serve on the committee.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, included Democrat Jared Moskowitz of Parkland on the investigative team.
Florida Participation
Laurel Lee, a former Florida secretary of state and circuit court judge, won her congressional seat in 2022. She currently serves on the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees.
Commenting on the attack, Lee said: “On July 13, 2024, the American people witnessed a catastrophic security failure that nearly resulted in the loss of President Trump’s life. The Secret Service failed in its primary mission. This committee will ensure that these failures are thoroughly investigated and that they are not repeated.”
Meanwhile, Jared Moskowitz, who has a distinguished track record in emergency management and the response to the Parkland shooting in 2018, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by both House leaders.
“I look forward to working, in a bipartisan way, to provide the American people with the answers they seek from this dark moment in our nation’s history,” Moskowitz said.
Separately, Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret and current member of the Intelligence, Armed Services and Oversight committees, has also been appointed to the committee.
Waltz, who is rumored to be under consideration for a possible future Trump cabinet post, will bring his security and defense experience to the investigation.
Reactions and expectations
The committee will have subpoena power and its investigation is expected to conclude by Dec. 13. In addition to the congressional inquiry, the FBI and Secret Service are conducting their own investigations.
The committee will investigate how the shooter was able to gain access to the roof from where he fired eight shots, causing a wound to Trump’s ear and resulting in the death of aide Corey Comperatore.
The resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle following the attack underscores the seriousness of the incident and the need for clear answers.