The Secret Service is facing increasing scrutiny after a 20-year-old managed to position himself on a roof and fire shots at former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Chair of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, has requested a briefing and for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing.
On Sunday, a Secret Service spokesperson issued a statement to address misinformation circulating about the incident.
RELATED STORY | What is known about the suspected shooter at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania
“There’s a false claim that a member of the former President’s team requested additional security resources and was denied,” said Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. “This is completely untrue. We actually increased protective resources, technology, and capabilities due to the heightened campaign travel schedule.”
Various conspiracy theories have surfaced regarding the assassination attempt and Secret Service response.
Investigators have confirmed that a Secret Service member engaged the shooter, fatally shooting him after he targeted former President Trump. One bullet grazed Trump’s right ear, resulting in the death of a rally attendee and critical injuries to two others.
RELATED STORY | Trump says he was shot in ear at Pennsylvania rally; shooter killed
There are lingering questions about the lapses that allowed this incident to occur. The Secret Service is responsible for securing the immediate vicinity around a protected political figure, such as Trump, who already receives Secret Service protection as a former president.
Although the shooter fired from outside the established perimeter, a former Secret Service agent noted that the agency should have been prepared for such a scenario.
The House Committee on Homeland Security has reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing “serious concerns” over how the shooter gained access to a rooftop with a clear line of sight to President Trump’s location.
It was later revealed that the Senate Homeland Security Committee will be investigating the incident, requesting documentation of the security plan, protocols for handling threats, and briefing materials used to inform President Joe Biden about the event.
