Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) issued a subpoena to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding documents and information related to the security failures surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Pennsylvania.
The subpoena follows DHS’s failure to respond to Committee requests for information. In a letter dated July 14, Chairman Green sought documents related to DHS’s security planning for the July 13 rally and their immediate response to the assassination attempt. DHS did not meet the deadline set for today, prompting the subpoena. Chairman Green’s requests included:
- The security plan for the event perimeter, including the building from which the shooter attempted the assassination.
- Communications among DHS personnel regarding any potential increase in protective resources for Trump’s security detail.
- Rules of engagement for U.S. Secret Service agents at the event.
- Coordination efforts between DHS and state and local law enforcement.
Chairman Green criticized DHS for its inadequate responses to the Committee’s requests. “The Department of Homeland Security has failed to properly satisfy our requests for documents and information regarding the security efforts to prevent and respond to the assassination attempt on President Trump—and the piecemeal information it has provided over phone calls is woefully inadequate,” he said.
Green emphasized the Committee’s commitment to obtaining answers about the incident, which also resulted in the death of a father of two and severe injuries to two others. “The American people, the Comperatore family, and the individuals who receive protective services deserve accountability,” he stated.
In his cover letter, Chairman Green underscored the urgency of the Committee’s requests, given the extraordinary and urgent circumstances under investigation, and the approaching election. The letter highlighted DHS’s vague response and the need for swift compliance to ensure effective oversight and evaluation of potential legislation to reform the Department’s handling of its protective mission.
In addition to the document requests, Chairman Green invited Secretary Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify publicly on July 23. However, the FBI and DHS have declined to make Wray and Mayorkas available for the hearing, and the invitation to Director Cheatle remains pending.
Since the attempted assassination, the Committee has been in close contact with DHS, the FBI, and the Secret Service, seeking answers to numerous questions about the incident. Chairman Green and other Committee members have received multiple briefings from these agencies and continue to press for comprehensive information to ensure the safety of political leaders and to fully investigate security failures.
The timeline of the Committee’s activities includes:
- July 13: Committee staff call with USSS Congressional Affairs.
- July 14: Chairman Green’s briefing with Director Cheatle and a letter to Secretary Mayorkas requesting documents.
- July 15: Briefing with FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells and witness invites to Mayorkas, Wray, and Cheatle.
- July 16: Committee staff call with USSS Congressional Affairs.
- July 17: Committee staff call with FBI Congressional Affairs and an all-member update briefing call with the Secret Service and FBI directors.
- July 19: Subpoena issued to Secretary Mayorkas; invite to Director Cheatle reiterated.
As the investigation continues, the Committee remains focused on uncovering the facts and ensuring robust security measures for all high-profile protectees.
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