Chairman Green Demands Public Testimony From DHS Secretary Mayorkas, FBI Director Wray, USSS Director Cheatle Next Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. -This week, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green (R-TN) invited Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, and Secret Service (USSS) Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify before the Committee in an oversight hearing next Tuesday, July 23, 2024, to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt of former President Donald J. Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

"The American people want answers on what happened Saturday in Pennsylvania. Secretary Mayorkas and Director Cheatle are responsible for the department and the agency charged with securing our homeland and protecting our nation's chief executives and candidates, while Director Wray leads the agency with the vital responsibility of investigating this attempted assassination," Chairman Green said. "It is imperative that we partner to understand what went wrong, and how Congress can work with the departments and agencies to ensure this never happens again. Successful oversight requires Congress to work together with these officials as they testify publicly before the House Committee on Homeland Security. The American people, and the individuals and families who receive protective services, deserve nothing less."

Background:

This testimony request follows a letter from Chairman Green to Secretary Mayorkas, in which he demands, in part, the security plan to secure the perimeter of the event site, including areas such as the building from which the shooter attempted the assassination of President Trump, communications between or among personnel at the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office of the President related to any potential increase or addition of protective resources to President Trump's security detail; and the briefing materials used by Secretary Mayorkas and U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to brief President Joe Biden about the attempted assassination of President Trump. The requested information and documents are due on Friday, July 19, and the briefing request must be satisfied by Monday, July 22.

Since the attempted assassination of former President Trump, the Committee has been in close contact with department officials and continues to seek answers to the many questions the American people deserve to know. Chairman Green spoke with Director Cheatle on Sunday, June 14, and with FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells yesterday. The Committee will continue to be in close contact with USSS, DHS, and the FBI to ensure the safety of our political leaders.

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