WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) subpoenaed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for documents and information regarding the failed security efforts surrounding the attempted July 13 assassination of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.

The subpoena follows the department’s failure to respond and comply with Committee requests for documents and information. In a July 14 letter, Chairman Green requested documents and information regarding DHS’ planning for the July 13 rally, and their immediate response to the attempt on the former president’s life. DHS failed to meet today’s deadline set by Chairman Green to provide those documents. Chairman Green’s requests included 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 DHS related to any potential increase or addition of protective resources to President Trump’s security detail, the rules of engagement for U.S. Secret Service agents to neutralize threats at the July 13 event, and documents and communications regarding coordination efforts between DHS and state and local law enforcement.

“The Department of Homeland Security has failed to properly satisfy our requests for documents and information regarding the security efforts to prevent and respond to the assassination attempt on President Trump––and the piecemeal information it has provided over phone calls is woefully inadequate,” Chairman Green said. “In order for this Committee to conduct proper oversight over DHS and the U.S. Secret Service, the department and agency must cooperate. This Committee is dedicated to getting answers regarding what happened on Saturday in Pennsylvania, which not only resulted in the near assassination of a former president, but also the murder of a father of two, and the severe injury of two other Americans. The American people, the Comperatore family, and the individuals who receive protective services deserve accountability.” 

In a cover letter, Chairman Green wrote, “On July 14, 2024, the Committee requested specific documents and information relating to the attempted assassination of President Trump. Due to the extraordinary and urgent circumstances under investigation, and with less than four months before the election, the Committee seeks swift and thorough compliance with its requests for documents and information.

“The Committee reiterated its request two days later while also seeking a status update from the Department of Homeland Security (Department) on the production of requested documents and information. The Department, however, has provided only a vague response that it “cannot respond to document requests until [the Republican National Convention (RNC) and an internal investigation] are addressed.” The Committee in response, requested that the Department explain its definition of “addressed,” highlighted that the RNC is scheduled to conclude before the Committee’s deadline for the requested documents and information, and asked for an estimated timeframe for completion of the internal investigation. The Department has not provided any further response to the Committee’s inquiries.”

Chairman Green concluded, “The Committee requires the documents and information compelled by the attached subpoena to effectively carry out oversight of the Department’s handling of security for presidential candidates and other high-profile protectees, as well as to fully evaluate potential legislation to reform the Department’s handling of this responsibility. Analyzing the security plan for the event site, direct evidence of protective resource levels, and the rules of engagement for U.S. Secret Service (USSS) agents will begin to provide the factual grounds to assess security and policy shortcomings. Such documents and information requested in the Committee’s July 14, 2024 letter will assist the Committee to better understand any resource, communications, coordination, and any other gaps that led to the security failure on July 13, 2024. There can be no room for failure in the Secret Service’s protective mission. The Department’s functions related to the USSS and its protective mission are directly within the purview of the Committee’s oversight authorities.”

Read the full cover letter, schedule, and subpoena.

Background:

In addition to the July 13 information request, Chairman Green invited Secretary Mayorkas, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, and Director Cheatle to testify publicly on Tuesday, July 23, in a hearing to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Trump. The FBI told the Committee they could not make Director Wray available for the hearing. DHS declined for Secretary Mayorkas to testify, and the invitation to Director Cheatle remains outstanding.

Since the attempted assassination of 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, July 14, and with FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells Monday, July 15. The Committee will continue to be in close contact with USSS, DHS, and the FBI to ensure the safety of our political leaders and fully investigate security failures. The timeline of the Committee’s work includes:

July 13:

• Committee staff hold call with USSS Congressional Affairs.

July 14: 

• Chairman Green receives update briefing call with Director Cheatle.
• House Committees staff update call with DHS Congressional Affairs.
• Chairman Green sends letter to Secretary Mayorkas, requesting expansive sets of documents and information of the facts and circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of President Trump and associated matters. The due date to provide the requested documents and information is no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 19.

July 15:

• Chairman Green and Ranking Member Thompson receive an update briefing call with FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells. Chairman Green requests for Committee members to visit the scene as soon as feasible.
• Chairman Green sends witness invites to Director Cheatle, Secretary Mayorkas, and Director Wray to testify before the Committee on July 23.

July 16:

• Committee staff hold call with U.S. Secret Service Congressional Affairs.

July 17:

• Committee staff hold call with FBI Congressional Affairs.
• All-House member update briefing call with the Secret Service Director and Deputy Director, as well as the FBI Director and Deputy Director.
• Chairman Green issues witness invites to key state and local law enforcement officials, to testify before the Committee on July 23. 
• Secretary Mayorkas declines to testify before the Committee on July 23.

July 19:

• The invitation to Director Cheatle to testify remains outstanding and has been reiterated.

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