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A congressional task force investigating assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump revealed on December 5 that federal law enforcement agencies have not provided critical documents and testimony needed for the inquiry.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation as they investigate security failures that nearly claimed the president-elect’s life.
The task force, formed after two high-profile attacks, has pressed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI for information, including digital analyses, financial records, and interview summaries related to the attackers.
Recent subpoenas, issued November 19, demanded testimony from two ATF agents regarding the July 13 attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the September 15 attack at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Lawmakers noted that critical intelligence remains withheld despite partial cooperation.
Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) stressed the importance of receiving all information to understand what went wrong and prevent similar failures. She highlighted the absence of key data, such as digital evidence and financial assessments, as a major obstacle to the investigation.
“Our mission is to understand what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination, ensure accountability, and prevent such a failure from ever happening again,” Lee said.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), a former assistant U.S. attorney, criticized the agencies for withholding information unrelated to ongoing investigations. “There’s some information we didn’t get—it didn’t seem to be connected to an ongoing criminal investigation. I thought that we should have had access to that,” Ivey stated.
The Justice Department declined to comment.
The resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle after the Butler shooting has brought intense scrutiny to the agency’s performance.
Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. testified about security lapses that nearly cost Trump his life.
The Butler rally attack left two attendees critically injured and claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a father and husband. The incident revealed gaps in communication and perimeter security, raising questions about the Secret Service’s preparedness.
Rowe acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings, stating, “I personally carry the weight of knowing that we almost lost a protectee, and our failure cost a father and husband his life.”
He assured lawmakers that accountability measures are underway but emphasized the need for due process. However, his assurances have done little to ease concerns among lawmakers like Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), who urged immediate action. “It’s not in our nation’s or anyone’s interest for the Secret Service to delay accountability decisions any longer,” Kelly said.
The task force’s interim report in October concluded that the Butler shooting was “preventable.”
We anticipate a final report later this month, which will provide recommendations for enhancing federal agency coordination and fortifying security protocols for high-profile figures.
Lawmakers have reiterated the need for full cooperation from federal agencies. “This is information that can and should and must be provided to Congress if we are to understand how to equip and support our federal law enforcement agencies,” Lee stated.
The panel’s findings are expected to shape future reforms to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.