House task force seeks briefings from top officials on Trump assassination attempt

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A House task force investigating the attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump has requested a briefing from key security officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, and Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Task Force Chair Mike Kelly and Ranking Member Jason Crow on Monday sent a letter to the officials from key agencies involved with and investigating the July 13 assassination attempt on the former president. They are also requesting relevant documents.

During a recent hearing, Rowe expressed his deep regret over the security failures that allowed the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to get within firing range of Trump.

"This is something that has cost me a lot of sleep," Rowe said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability within the agency.

Crooks, 20, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents shortly after he opened fire during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A bullet he fired grazed Trump’s ear.

The task force, led by Congressman Mike Kelly, aims to uncover the lapses that enabled the would-be assassin to get so close.

The task force is expected to deliver its final report by Dec. 13, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who also said interim reports will be issued throughout the investigation.

The hearing has been marked by intense scrutiny of Secret Service protocols and the communication failures that contributed to the incident.

Rowe stressed that the agency is committed to learning from its mistakes and has already begun implementing new measures, including the potential use of drones for enhanced surveillance at future events.