Pennsylvania Congressman Chosen to Lead House Task Force Investigating Trump Assassination Attempt
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant development following the shocking assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, a Pennsylvania congressman has been appointed to lead a newly formed House task force dedicated to investigating the incident. Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, who witnessed the attack firsthand during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, will spearhead the effort to uncover the circumstances surrounding the event and propose measures to prevent future occurrences.
The attack, which took place on July 13, has left the community of Butler in mourning. Rep. Kelly, who represents the city, expressed the urgent need for answers, stating, “The people of Butler and the people of the United States deserve answers.” His commitment to the task force is underscored by his sponsorship of the legislation that established it.
On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York jointly announced the appointment of 13 lawmakers to the task force. The bipartisan group will consist of seven Republicans and six Democrats, with a mandate to deliver a comprehensive report by December 13. To facilitate their investigation, the House has granted the panel the authority to issue subpoenas, ensuring they can access necessary information and testimonies.
In a joint statement, Johnson and Jeffries expressed confidence in the task force, stating, “We have the utmost confidence in this bipartisan group of steady, highly qualified, and capable members of Congress to move quickly to find the facts, ensure accountability, and help make certain such failures never happen again.” This sentiment reflects the gravity of the situation and the importance of a thorough investigation.
The task force is composed of members with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement, legal affairs, and military service, which will enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of the investigation. Alongside Rep. Kelly, the Republican members include Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee; Rep. David Joyce of Ohio, a former county prosecutor; Rep. Laurel Lee of Florida, a former assistant U.S. attorney; Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, a former U.S. Army Special Forces member; Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, a former Army staff sergeant and local law enforcement officer; and Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas, a former U.S. Air Force officer.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado will serve as the lead member. A decorated former Army Ranger, Crow brings valuable military experience to the task force. Other Democratic members include Rep. Lou Correa of California, who recently visited the site of the assassination attempt; Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, a former state representative; Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, a U.S. Air Force veteran; Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland, a former assistant U.S. attorney; and Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida, the former director of emergency management in the state.
As the task force begins its work, the nation watches closely, hoping for a thorough investigation that not only uncovers the facts surrounding the assassination attempt but also leads to actionable recommendations to safeguard against future threats to public figures. The bipartisan nature of the task force signals a collective commitment to addressing this critical issue, ensuring that the voices of both parties are heard in the pursuit of justice and accountability.