Saying the United States “was millimeters away from a presidential assassination” when former President Donald Trump was shot through his right ear while addressing a campaign rally Saturday in Butler, Pa., Congressman August Pfluger is having the U.S. House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism investigate all related Secret Service actions.
Rep. Pfluger, a San Angelo Republican who chairs the subcommittee in Washington, D.C., commended Secret Service Agents for swiftly protecting President Trump in the wake of the attack by the 20-year-old shooter with a military assault rifle from a distance of about 150 yards.
But he said Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle must appear before Congress to answer questions.
“I will question all decisions made in three critical areas: strategic, operational and tactical,” Pfluger said. “My previous advocacy for protective details for former Trump Administration National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy leads me to fear that politics is influencing decision-making.
“I will not stop asking the right questions.”
To that end, Pfluger said, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green of Tennessee has already requested the security plan that was used to secure the perimeter of the event site including areas such as the building from which the shooter fired and communications between or among personnel at the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office of the President related to any potential increase or addition of protective resources to President Trump’s security detail.
The congressman said the briefing materials that were used by Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Cheatle to brief President Joe Biden about the attempted assassination of President Trump will also required.
“Our nation was millimeters away from a presidential assassination,” Pfluger said. “As Americans we must unite together and move forward from this tragedy.”
Writing Sunday, Pfluger said, “Yesterday’s events in Butler, Pa., were a tragic and dark moment for our nation.
“Like many of you I have gone through a range of emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, sadness and more. This event is a wake-up call to our nation that we need to unite together as Americans.
“The courage and determination of President Trump during and after yesterday’s events were heroic. I am continuing to pray for his family, friends and team as they process the events that unfolded.
“I commend the brave U.S. Secret Service Agents for swiftly deterring and protecting President Trump in the wake of the attack. I am saddened to learn of the passing of an innocent attendee at the rally, Corey Comperatore, who died shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire.
“Corey was a father, husband and beloved retired fire chief within his community. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this tragic time. Two other individuals were wounded in the attack and are also in my prayers as they recover and heal.”
The congressman said he was “calling on President Biden to step up and help heal our great nation.
“The temperature in this country can be turned down and he needs to take immediate action,” he said. “Within minutes of yesterday’s events I mobilized my team at the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism to review U.S. Secret Service actions before, during and after the event.
“I am talking to law enforcement officials, Chairman Green and others to collect all relevant information and take action. The director of the Secret Service must testify before Congress as soon as possible either willingly or under subpoena.”
