Rep. Eli Crane Demands DHS Transparency Over Trump Rally Security Breach

U.S. Representative Eli Crane, a Republican from Arizona, unveiled a resolution today demanding that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submit all pertinent documents to Congress concerning the Secret Service’s management of former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The rally was marred by an attempted assassination.

This resolution, co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), follows Crane’s recent visit to the rally site with the House Homeland Security Committee. The inspection was led by Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.).

“Yesterday, I visited the site of the attempted assassination against President Trump, including the roof where the shooter was positioned. As a former Navy SEAL sniper, it was clear to me that many security measures were completely dropped making President Trump extremely vulnerable,” stated Rep. Crane. “There’s no excuse for this grave failure. Accountability must be inescapable for those responsible.”

The resolution calls for DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to hand over all records about the incident within seven days of the resolution’s approval.

In a related development, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned this morning amid bipartisan criticism of her inadequate handling of the event’s security. This has amplified calls for accountability within the Secret Service.

Crane emphasized, “With today’s resignation of Secret Service Director Cheatle, we must continue to push aggressively for continued accountability.”

Rep. Crane, who represents Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, highlighted the importance of Congress stepping in. His district is the largest in Arizona in terms of area, encompassing all or part of 11 counties, including Apache, Coconino, Graham, and parts of Maricopa.

“After yesterday’s hearing with Secret Service Director Cheatle, during which the House Oversight Committee received no substantive answers, it is crucial for Congress to step in and conduct oversight over Secret Service’s failures on July 13,” Crane added. “House leadership must quickly bring Rep. Crane’s legislation to the floor to force Mayorkas’s DHS to comply with our ongoing investigation.”