Secret Service sued for records relating to Butler assassination attempt
America First Legal, a conservative group founded by Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller, is suing the Secret Service and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, for documents on the first assassination attempt on Trump.
The nation has yet to receive answers on how a shooter came so close to killing Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania back in July.
Secret Service sued
The Secret Service has faced backlash for failing to secure the rooftop that Thomas Matthew Crooks used to shoot at Trump. A bullet grazed Trump's ear, while Crooks killed one rallygoer, Corey Comperatore, and critically injured two others.
Whistleblowers have shared damning details with Missouri senator Josh Hawley (R) about the botched preparations for Trump's rally in Butler.
Hawley released a report alleging that the lead agent in charge "failed a key examination during their federal law enforcement training to become a Secret Service agent."
On July 16, America First Legal demanded records on an expedited basis about staffing shortages, hiring standards, and communications involving DHS top brass. The Secret Service rejected the request, citing a lack of "urgency" and the absence of any threat to the life of any person.
Lawmakers, including Democrats, have blasted the Secret Service for failing to be transparent with the public.
“I am reaching the point of total outrage, because the response from the Department of Homeland Security has been totally lacking," Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal (Ct.) said recently.
Trump faces continued threats
America First Legal said they have "not received any requested records despite requesting expedited processing and meeting all of the standards in law to receive such expedited proceedings."
The Secret Service's failure to be transparent is even more concerning in light of a second attempt on Trump's life at is Florida golf course last weekend.
“On July 13, the American people watched in horror as a lunatic attempted to assassinate former President, and current candidate for President, Donald Trump," said America First Legal Executive Director Gene Hamilton.
"Today, there is widespread and bipartisan acknowledgment that there were catastrophic failures that tragic day and in the weeks and months ahead of it. We are committed to obtaining these records so that the American people can see for themselves exactly what senior DHS leadership was prioritizing in its mission and why more resources were not devoted to the protection of President Donald J. Trump."