Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security launches investigation into US intelligence agency’s actions in connection with deadly Trump rally – JURIST

The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of the security of the Trump campaign rally on July 13. At the rally, one spectator was apparently killed and several others, including the former president, were injured in an assassination attempt.

It is unclear when this investigation began, as it is listed under ongoing projects. However, Department of Homeland Security official Alejandro N. Mayorkas released a statement on Saturday saying that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with law enforcement on the matter:

U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I have briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania. DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting. We strongly condemn this violence and commend the Secret Service for its swift action today. We are in contact with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaign teams and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety. Ensuring the safety of presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s most important priorities.

The assassination attempt occurred on Saturday during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man identified as the shooter, was neutralized by the Secret Service shortly after the first shots were fired. Despite extra security at the rally due to a threat from Iran, Crooks managed to get within 135 meters of former President Trump.

There are currently many questions about this incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the attempted murder of former President Trump as possible domestic terrorism. As of Monday, the FBI had conducted over 100 interviews from police officers, event attendees and other witnesses. They also gained access to Crooks’ phone and completed the search of Crooks’ vehicle and home.

President Biden stressed the importance of this investigation and cautioned against making assumptions about Crooks’ motives until the investigation is complete. He authorized an independent investigation into the incident and directed the head of the Secret Service to thoroughly review security measures for the ongoing Republican National Convention. Several additional security measures have been put in place at the convention, including Miles of barriers, security technology and tactical support. Additionally, additional security personnel were deployed at the convention, including agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and state and local law enforcement agencies.