Following the events of July 13, 2024, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an independent security review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas named a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review. The review will examine the planning for and actions taken by the U.S. Secret Service and state and local authorities before, during, and after the rally, as well as the U.S. Secret Service's governing policies and procedures.
The independent review panel includes former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush; Hon. Mark Filip, a former federal judge and Deputy Attorney General to President George W. Bush; and Chief David Mitchell, former superintendent of Maryland State Police and former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for Delaware. Additional experts may be invited to join the panel in the coming days.
“We are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened on July 13, and I am grateful to the distinguished members of this independent review who will bring decades of expertise in law enforcement and security operations to this important investigation,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Ensuring the safety and security of current and former Presidents is critical and one of our Department’s top priorities.”
As announced by President Biden on July 14, the Administration is committed to sharing the results of this review with the American people. Secretary Mayorkas has also encouraged panel members to notify him immediately if any recommendations require urgent attention so that changes can be implemented swiftly if needed. The independent review will not interfere with ongoing investigations by the FBI or other criminal investigations.
The bipartisan panel brings expertise in law enforcement, protective security, and homeland security at various levels:
- Janet Napolitano served as Secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013.
- Frances Townsend was Assistant to President George W. Bush for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism from 2004 to 2008.
- Hon. Mark Filip served as Deputy Attorney General from 2008-2009.
- Chief David B. Mitchell has four decades of law enforcement experience.
“All Americans share a concern about the safety of our public officials,” stated members of the independent review panel in a joint statement. “We formed this bipartisan group to quickly identify improvements that can enhance their work.”
In response to heightened threats, prior enhancements were made by the Secret Service regarding Trump's protection before July's attempt on his life.
For updated information about this independent review, visit DHS.gov/independent-review-2024-attempted-assassination.
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