Pfluger: We Aim to Investigate Assassination Attempt on Trump

OPINION — Yesterday's events in Butler, Pennsylvania 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.  I am 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. Congress Will Investigate

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, Homeland Security Chairman Mark 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.

I will question all decisions made in three critical areas: strategic, operational, and tactical. My previous advocacy for a protective detail for former Trump Administration National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy leads me to fear politics is influencing decision-making.

I will not stop asking the right questions. To that end, Chairman Green has already requested the security plan to secure the perimeter of the event site, including areas such as the building from which the shooter attempted the assassination on President Trump, 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; and the briefing materials used by Secretary Mayorkas and U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to brief President Joe Biden about the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Our nation was millimeters away from a presidential assassination. As Americans, we must unite together and move forward from this tragedy.

Rep. August Pfluger represents Congressional District 11 that spans from Killeen through San Angelo to Midland/Odessa in the US House of Representatives. He sits on the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence subcommittee.