Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announces that the agency will be involved in an investigation of its actions during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump over the weekend.
This decision follows President Joe Biden’s directive for an independent review of national security measures at the Pennsylvania rally where the incident occurred. The president has stated that the findings will be made public.
“The Secret Service is collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to determine the circumstances of the incident, how it transpired, and how to prevent such incidents in the future,” Cheatle stated. “We recognize the significance of the independent review ordered by President Biden and will actively participate. Additionally, we will cooperate with relevant Congressional committees for oversight purposes.”
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Trump revealed that a bullet grazed the upper part of his right ear during the incident. One attendee at the rally, Corey Comperatore, lost his life while shielding his family from the gunfire. Two other individuals sustained critical injuries but are now in stable condition.
The shooting incident has raised concerns about the security measures and protocols in place at the event, allowing such an attack to occur.
Cheatle acknowledged that the incident has prompted questions about security measures at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday, but expressed confidence in the existing plans.
“I am confident in the security strategy devised by our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners, which has been reassessed and reinforced after Saturday’s shooting. The security plans for National Special Security Events are flexible and will be adjusted as needed to ensure the utmost safety and security for convention attendees, volunteers, and the City of Milwaukee,” Cheatle assured.
“In addition to the added security measures for former President Trump’s detail in June, we have made further adjustments to his security detail since Saturday to ensure his ongoing protection during the convention and the rest of the campaign,” she added.
The shooter from Saturday’s attack, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was neutralized by Secret Service.
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