Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called for an immediate congressional investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally. In a letter to U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), Hawley emphasized the need for public testimony, hearings, and robust oversight.

“This HSGAC investigation must include public testimony, hearings, and robust oversight over the relevant federal departments as they respond to this assassination attempt. Sworn testimony must be heard from Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Nothing should be classified or withheld from the public,” wrote Senator Hawley.

Senator Hawley expressed his condolences: “Our prayers are with President Trump, the family of the slain American, and the innocent civilians who were injured. We owe it to the victims and the American people to get to the bottom of what happened. The American people have questions. And they deserve answers.”

Following yesterday’s shooting, Senator Hawley released statements condemning political violence and demanding answers from President Biden’s Justice Department regarding the identity of the shooter.

In his letter dated July 14, 2024, addressed to Chairman Peters, Senator Hawley detailed concerns about security failures during the incident:

“Yesterday, the world witnessed an assassination attempt on Donald J. Trump—the former president and presumptive Republican nominee for the presidency. President Trump has stated that he was shot in the upper part of his ear; he was nearly killed. One civilian at the Pennsylvania rally was murdered and two were critically injured. There is no place for this egregious violence in our republic."

He further highlighted operational failures: "Evidently, the shooter was able to gain an elevated position on a rooftop with a clear line of sight of the President, well within accurate range, with a firearm."

“These matters fall squarely within the jurisdiction of HSGAC," he continued. "I call on you to launch a full, public, and comprehensive committee investigation into this assassination attempt and failures to adequately protect the former president.”

Senator Hawley's appeal underscores significant security concerns that necessitate thorough examination by Congress.