Congress rushes to probe Trump rally shooting
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House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green during a press conference at the Capitol on April 16, 2024. Photo: ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images.
Several House and Senate committees are launching investigations into federal law enforcement's handling of Saturday's assassination attempt against former President Trump.
Why it matters: The shooting, in which the ex-president was struck in the ear and a bystander was killed, has touched off a bipartisan flurry of congressional scrutiny into security for presidential candidates.
- "The seriousness of this security failure and chilling moment in our nation's history cannot be understated," House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
What they're saying: Green, Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) are each leading branches of the investigation.
- Comer told Axios he expects to hold a hearing July 22 with testimony from Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
- Green asked Mayorkas for documents related to the security plan for the rally; any "potential increase" in Trump's security; the Secret Service's rules of engagement; coordination with the TSA; and briefing materials for President Biden.
- Turner said on CNN that Congress has a responsibility to look into "both the resources that are utilized and the protocols that are utilized." His panel will focus on the FBI, according to Fox News.
- "DHS responds to congressional inquiries directly via official channels, and the Department will continue to respond appropriately to Congressional oversight," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.
Zoom out: On the other side of the Capitol, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will also conduct an investigation into the shooting, an aide told Axios.
- Chair Gary Peters (D-Mich.) will speak with Mayorkas on Sunday, the aide said, the aide said, adding that the investigation will likely include committee hearings.
What we're hearing: Lawmakers are still scrambling for detailed information on precisely what happened during and around the shooting.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was briefed Saturday, his office told Axios.
- Green is seeking calls with Cheatle and Mayorkas, with plans to hold a hearing as soon as July 22 or 23, according to a GOP lawmaker.
- The House sergeant-at-arms is set to brief House Republicans on congressional security Sunday afternoon, with Democrats scheduled for a briefing on Monday, according to invitations obtained by Axios.
Yes, but: The Secret Service has already begun pushing back on some allegations that Trump was left inadequately protected Saturday.
- Agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi took to X to deny claims that "a member of the former President's team requested additional security resources and that those were rebuffed," which he called "absolutely false."
- "In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo," he added.
Between the lines: The shooting has left lawmakers fearful not just about Trump's security, but their own personal safety.
- Several lawmakers told Axios they they plan to cancel events and temporarily close their offices for security reasons.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
