Trump House shooting task force issues extensive requests for interviews and records
The letter was sent by a bipartisan panel and was exclusively obtained by POLITICO, following lawmakers' visit to the location of Donald Trump's July 13 rally earlier this week.
TroibNews 
On Wednesday, the bipartisan House task force dedicated to investigating the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump expanded its inquiry by requesting extensive records and interviews. The task force, led by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.), addressed their inquiries to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr., focusing specifically on the preparations and security measures taken for Trump’s rally on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Reps. Kelly and Crow explained the scope of their investigation in a letter sent on Wednesday. "The Task Force is investigating all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals" related to the assassination attempt, they stated in the correspondence.
This request came after Kelly, Crow, and other task force members visited the rally site earlier in the week and held discussions with local law enforcement officials. During their visit, the group shared with reporters that there were still many unresolved issues concerning the security arrangements leading up to the event.
The lawmakers emphasized that understanding these security lapses would be a priority as the task force progresses. They are aiming to submit a report and propose legislative actions by mid-December, based on what they learn from their investigation.
The inquiry specifically seeks interviews with members of the Secret Service involved in the rally's preparations or present during the event. They are looking to speak with key personnel including the local field office's special agent in charge, the agents managing Trump’s security detail, and those responsible for selecting the site and planning its security. Additionally, the task force has requested a list of individuals placed on administrative leave following the incident.
The documentation the task force seeks includes details on the process of selecting the site, guidelines provided by the Secret Service for outdoor events, any security plans drafted for the rally, and communications regarding the planning, execution, and immediate response to the events of that day.
Moreover, Kelly and Crow are investigating the extent of investigations carried out by the Biden administration since the incident. They have asked for transcripts from interviews conducted by the DHS or Secret Service concerning the rally and are also seeking a list of all ongoing investigations related to the rally, along with their expected conclusion dates. They have requested access to any briefings or materials that have already been shared with Congress regarding the rally.
In addition to focusing on Trump and the July 13 rally, the task force has broadened its scope slightly to inquire about security details for the president, first lady, and vice president, including those provided on the same date for an event attended by First Lady Jill Biden in Pennsylvania.
This investigation is just part of a broader effort that includes inquiries by Senate committees and other reviews conducted by the administration, even as some conservative House members have initiated their own separate probe. The House had previously unanimously agreed to give the task force overriding authority over any related investigations within the chamber.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
Reps. Kelly and Crow explained the scope of their investigation in a letter sent on Wednesday. "The Task Force is investigating all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals" related to the assassination attempt, they stated in the correspondence.
This request came after Kelly, Crow, and other task force members visited the rally site earlier in the week and held discussions with local law enforcement officials. During their visit, the group shared with reporters that there were still many unresolved issues concerning the security arrangements leading up to the event.
The lawmakers emphasized that understanding these security lapses would be a priority as the task force progresses. They are aiming to submit a report and propose legislative actions by mid-December, based on what they learn from their investigation.
The inquiry specifically seeks interviews with members of the Secret Service involved in the rally's preparations or present during the event. They are looking to speak with key personnel including the local field office's special agent in charge, the agents managing Trump’s security detail, and those responsible for selecting the site and planning its security. Additionally, the task force has requested a list of individuals placed on administrative leave following the incident.
The documentation the task force seeks includes details on the process of selecting the site, guidelines provided by the Secret Service for outdoor events, any security plans drafted for the rally, and communications regarding the planning, execution, and immediate response to the events of that day.
Moreover, Kelly and Crow are investigating the extent of investigations carried out by the Biden administration since the incident. They have asked for transcripts from interviews conducted by the DHS or Secret Service concerning the rally and are also seeking a list of all ongoing investigations related to the rally, along with their expected conclusion dates. They have requested access to any briefings or materials that have already been shared with Congress regarding the rally.
In addition to focusing on Trump and the July 13 rally, the task force has broadened its scope slightly to inquire about security details for the president, first lady, and vice president, including those provided on the same date for an event attended by First Lady Jill Biden in Pennsylvania.
This investigation is just part of a broader effort that includes inquiries by Senate committees and other reviews conducted by the administration, even as some conservative House members have initiated their own separate probe. The House had previously unanimously agreed to give the task force overriding authority over any related investigations within the chamber.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
