A House Republican lawmaker, Rep. Mike Waltz, from Florida, has claimed that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas denied requests for increased Secret Service protection for former President Trump multiple times. This accusation came after Trump was shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Waltz stated that he had reliable sources informing him that there were repeated requests for stronger Secret Service protection for Trump, all of which were denied by Secretary Mayorkas. The House Homeland Security Committee is now planning to investigate these reports, as they are deeply troubling and demand further examination, according to a source from Fox News Digital.
During the rally, one attendee was killed, and two others were injured by a shooter who was also killed by the Secret Service. Waltz, who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, did not provide further details when contacted by Fox News Digital.
The Department of Homeland Security has been approached for comment on this matter. Additionally, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has called on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle to testify publicly before his panel, and a formal invitation will be sent soon.
Trump, in a statement following the shooting, thanked law enforcement for their quick response and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and injured individuals. He described the incident as a terrible act that should not have occurred in the country.
The details surrounding the shooter and the events leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Trump himself recounted the moment he was shot, explaining the sensation of the bullet piercing his ear and the immediate realization of being hit.
The incident has raised concerns about the security protocols in place for former presidents and political figures during public events. The upcoming investigations by the House Homeland Security Committee and the Oversight Committee aim to shed light on what happened before and after the attempt on Trump’s life.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in public appearances by high-profile individuals and the importance of adequate security measures to ensure their safety. The findings of the investigations will be crucial in determining any necessary changes to security procedures in similar situations in the future.