Johnson and Jeffries Announce Formation of Bipartisan Task Force Following Trump Rally Shooting
In a significant move, Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the creation of a bipartisan task force to investigate the July 13 shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. This task force aims to address the security failures that led to the attempted assassination of Trump.
The House of Representatives is set to vote on a resolution to establish the task force later this week. According to the proposed resolution, the task force will comprise 13 members, including six Democrats. Johnson and Jeffries emphasized the task force’s mission to uncover the facts, ensure accountability, and prevent such security lapses in the future. The task force will be equipped with subpoena authority to facilitate a thorough investigation.
“The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life are shocking. The task force will be empowered with subpoena authority and will move quickly to find the facts, ensure accountability, and make certain such failures never happen again,” Johnson and Jeffries stated in a joint release.
At this point, Johnson and Jeffries have not disclosed who they will appoint to the task force. However, it is reported that there is considerable behind-the-scenes competition for these positions.
The announcement of the task force comes amidst ongoing investigations by several congressional committees into the shooting. On Monday, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testified before the House Oversight Committee, facing bipartisan frustration that led to calls for her resignation.
Additionally, the House Homeland Security Committee has requested numerous documents and plans to hold its first hearing related to the shooting on Tuesday. This follows a bipartisan visit to the rally site, led by Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), on Monday. FBI Director Christopher Wray is also scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Johnson initially suggested the formation of a task force last week to streamline the House’s expansive investigation. He and Jeffries discussed the matter over the phone on Monday, solidifying their collaborative approach to this critical issue.
