The failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania has sparked outrage and demands for accountability as new details emerge about the attacker and the security lapses that allowed the incident to occur.
According to lawmakers briefed by law enforcement officials, the Secret Service had identified the attacker as suspicious with a rangefinder and backpack over an hour before the shooting but lost sight of him in the crowd. The gunman had visited the site of the attack before and had searched for symptoms of a depressive disorder on his phone, as well as images of both Trump and President Joe Biden.
Despite the warning signs, the attacker was able to open fire on Trump before being swiftly taken down by Secret Service snipers. Multiple senators criticized the lack of transparency from investigators and called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced plans to open an investigation into the security failures, calling for a bipartisan effort to uncover the truth. FBI Director Chris Wray stated that no motive has yet been identified for the gunman, adding to the mystery surrounding the attack.
As the investigation continues, the nation awaits answers and accountability for the shocking events that unfolded at the Trump rally. President Biden has ordered an independent review of the incident, and all eyes are on Cheatle as she prepares to testify before Congress next week.
