Shenango Valley News

On September 26, 2024, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump held its first official hearing in Washington, D.C., addressing the assassination attempt that occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. The incident resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to former President Donald Trump and two others.

State and local law enforcement officials testified about their experiences at the rally. They pointed out significant lapses in preparation and communication from the United States Secret Service, which they said contributed to security failures.

Chairman Kelly highlighted these issues in his opening statement: "Because of failures by the Secret Service, the shooting was not prevented. Just last week, Acting Director Rowe said his own agency showed 'complacency.' The day of the assassination attempt, Crooks scouted and identified weaknesses in the Secret Service’s security plan using both a drone and range finder. Had security vulnerabilities not existed, it is entirely plausible he might not have even attempted the shooting and returned home."

Ranking Member Crow emphasized unity against political violence: "Political violence has no place in our democracy, period. We must be united in our belief as Americans—not as Republicans or Democrats—that political disagreement is settled through rigorous debate, not violence. That is why this Task Force's investigation and today's hearing are so important. Since the establishment of this Task Force just two months ago, I have worked closely with Chairman Kelly to ensure this investigation is and remains bipartisan. The members of this Task Force and our staffs are coordinating closely to ensure we establish the facts of the security failures of July 13 so that we can help ensure those failures never happen again."

Witnesses included Mr. Edward Lenz (Sergeant at Adams Township Police Department), Mr. Drew Blasko (Patrolman at Butler Township Police Department), Mr. John D. Herold (Lieutenant at Pennsylvania State Police), Mr. Patrick Sullivan (Former United States Secret Service Agent), and Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt (Medical Examiner for Allegheny County).

The Task Force aims to identify solutions to prevent similar security failures in future events.

For more information or to view the full hearing video or statements from Chairman Kelly and Ranking Member Crow, visit their respective links provided by the Task Force.

###