The Secret Service is facing increased scrutiny following an incident where a 20-year-old was able to climb onto a roof and shoot at former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, has asked for a briefing and called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify at a hearing.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Secret Service released a statement to address any misinformation circulating.
RELATED STORY | What is known about the suspected shooter at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania
“There is 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 measures, technology, and capabilities in response to the heightened campaign travel activity.”
Various conspiracy theories have emerged regarding the assassination attempt and the Secret Service’s reaction.
Investigators have confirmed that a Secret Service member intervened and shot the assailant after he targeted former President Trump. One of the bullets grazed Trump’s right ear, resulting in a fatality among rally attendees and critical injuries to two others.
RELATED STORY | Trump says he was shot in ear at Pennsylvania rally; shooter killed
Many questions remain about how such a breach could occur. The Secret Service is responsible for securing the immediate vicinity of a protected political figure with a Secret Service detail, including former President Trump.
Although the shooter fired from outside the secured area, a former Secret Service agent interviewed by Scripps News suggested that the agency should have been prepared for such scenarios.
The House Committee on Homeland Security has reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing “significant concerns” about how the shooter gained access to a rooftop with a direct line of sight to President Trump.
Additionally, the Senate Homeland Security Committee has announced an investigation into the incident, requesting information on the event’s security plan, threat neutralization protocols, and briefing materials provided to President Joe Biden regarding the incident.
