Trump Responds to Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Former President Donald Trump addressed the nation following an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, where one attendee was killed and two others critically injured. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude for the public's support and emphasized the need for unity among Americans. He stated, “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” while also extending condolences to the victims' families. The FBI has identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, and the investigation is ongoing. In response to the shooting, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced a bipartisan task force to investigate the security failures that allowed the incident to occur. The task force, comprising seven Republicans and six Democrats, will have subpoena power and aims to ensure accountability and prevent future threats. The House is expected to vote on the establishment of this task force later this week. Amidst the fallout, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas revealed an independent review panel to assess the Secret Service's actions during the incident. This panel includes former high-ranking officials and aims to provide actionable recommendations to enhance security measures. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced criticism and has committed to cooperating with the review. As the investigation unfolds, both Trump and President Biden are navigating the political implications of the assassination attempt, with Biden seeking to balance his critique of Trump while addressing the heightened tensions in the political landscape.