The House of Representatives voted unanimously on Wednesday to establish a task force to investigate the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The decision comes in the wake of the shooting incident at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, which resulted in Trump's injury and the death of one rally attendee. Two other attendees were also injured.
The bipartisan task force, composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats, will wield full investigative powers, including subpoena authority, to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and propose reforms.
🚨BREAKING: CLEAREST VIDEO OF THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS SHOOTING AT PRESIDENT TRUMP‼️
A newly obtained video from TMZ shows the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, firing at former President Donald Trump before being shot. In the background, a woman is heard… pic.twitter.com/UxQTwPOMIU
— Only Mob King 🇺🇸 (@OnlyMobKing) July 14, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need for a swift and precise investigation, bypassing typical procedural hurdles to ensure transparency and accountability.
The attack has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the U.S. Secret Service.
The woman who appeared in this video is allegedly behind #Trump👇, and accused by viewers of giving instructions to the shooter, is #JeninDigisibi, assistant director of the FBI pic.twitter.com/ADlJZtopWu
— ❀ N ✿ (@8zal) July 20, 2024
The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to gain access to a rooftop with a direct line of sight to Trump, prompting questions about security lapses.
The Secret Service's failure in this instance has led to increased scrutiny, and Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following her testimony before Congress earlier this week.
Political leaders from across the spectrum have expressed their alarm and condemnation of the attack. Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican congressional candidate, extended his support and prayers to Trump and his family, while calls for tighter security measures and a thorough investigation have echoed nationwide.
The task force's findings and recommendations will be eagerly awaited, with a final report due by December 13.
Yeah, yeah, yeah and another yeah. With the do nothing feckless RINO Johnson as Speaker, no matter how much evidence of incompetence and corruption these panels uncover, nothing will be done. That is the history of the Republican Speakers of the House going back to Dennis Hastert. Gingrich was effective but Democrats were able to cower the candy Republicans into throwing him under the bus like they did later in throwing Tom DeLay out after the lawfare perpetrated on him by Travis County TX DA Ronnie Earl.