DHS watchdog opens review into Secret Service countersniper team
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Wednesday it will expand an investigation into the Secret Service over the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
The DHS inspector general will investigate the Secret Service countersniper team in addition to the overall security in order to “determine the extent to which the Secret Service Counter Sniper Team is prepared for, and responds to, threats at events attended by designated protectees.”
Trump was shot in the ear, suffering a minor injury last Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pa. A man in the crowd was killed, and two others also injured.
Questions have mounted in recent days about how a gunman was able to climb a rooftop nearby and have a clear line of sight to Trump speaking at the event. The Secret Service is facing heightened scrutiny, in particular over its communication with local law enforcement.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said her agency was “solely responsible” for Saturday’s protocol, clarifying a previous response that said local law enforcement was responsible for the building the gunman climbed.
Cheatle said there were certain “safety factors” — including the building’s sloped roof — taken into consideration when deciding how to secure the building. They opted to secure the building from inside, instead of on top.
Multiple members of Congress, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have called on Cheatle to resign, which she said she will not do. She is set to face a congressional panel next week.
Lauren Irwin contributed.