The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) independent watchdog announced on Wednesday it is opening an investigation into security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a weekend rally.

The probe will “evaluate the United States Secret Service’s (Secret Service) process for securing former President Trump’s July 13, 2024 campaign event,” the office of the DHS inspector general said in statements posted to its website. The Secret Service agency is a department within DHS.

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that he directed an independent investigation into the security at Saturday’s rally “to assess exactly what happened.” The results of the probe will be shared publicly, said Biden.

It is unclear when the DHS probe was launched and if the review announced by the inspector general is the same one Biden ordered.

Law enforcement has identified the suspected shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from the state of Pennsylvania.

Crooks was fatally shot by a Secret Service agent after he opened fire from a nearby roof outside of the Butler, Pennsylvania venue where Trump was addressing supporters ahead of November’s national election.

Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting but it has raised serious questions about security preparations for the gathering.

The shooting injured the former president, killed one spectator and critically wounded two others. Trump was seen being whisked off the stage by Secret Service agents, his face bloodied after it appeared that he was grazed by a bullet.

He later said he was shot in the ear and appeared at the ongoing Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a bandage covering his right ear.

The Secret Service is tasked with ensuring the security of presidents and vice presidents, both former and current, as well as presidential nominees during election years.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF hopes
Updated 14 Sep, 2024

IMF hopes

Constant borrowing is not the solution to the nation’s deep-seated economic woes and structural issues.
Media unity
14 Sep, 2024

Media unity

IN recent years, media owners and senior decision-makers in newsrooms across the country have found themselves in...
Grim example
Updated 14 Sep, 2024

Grim example

The state, as well as the ulema, must reiterate the fact that no one can be allowed to play executioner in blasphemy cases.
Monetary easing
Updated 13 Sep, 2024

Monetary easing

The fresh rate cut shows SBP's confidence over recent economic stability amid hopes of IMF Board approving new bailout.
Troubled waters
13 Sep, 2024

Troubled waters

THE proposed contentious amendments to the Irsa Act have stirred up quite a few emotions in Sindh. Balochistan, too,...
Deceptive records
13 Sep, 2024

Deceptive records

IN a post-pandemic world, we should know better than to tamper with grave public health issues, particularly fudging...