64°
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman emeritus of the House Homeland Security Committee, questioned Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher L. Paris during a Homeland Security Committee hearing investigating the attempted assassination of President Trump.
McCaul expressed gratitude for a recent site visit to Butler, Pennsylvania, describing it as "very eye-opening and educational." He emphasized the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in preventing security breaches.
During his questioning, McCaul highlighted significant security lapses observed during the site visit. He described how the shooter had a clear line of sight to President Trump from a rooftop position obscured by a tree from Secret Service view. The shooter had conducted prior aerial surveillance using a drone.
McCaul asked Colonel Paris if he was aware of any Secret Service presence on a nearby water tower that could have provided an advantageous vantage point. Colonel Paris responded that he was not aware and noted that he had visited the active crime scene but did not inspect rooftops.
McCaul further discussed the rapid response by Secret Service counter-snipers who neutralized the suspect within seconds after shots were fired at President Trump. He suggested that although the sniper may not have identified the individual initially, they eliminated the threat promptly once shots were fired.
Additionally, McCaul mentioned that the suspect possessed a detonation device and had two bombs in his car parked outside the perimeter. He theorized that the suspect intended to assassinate President Trump and then use his car bomb as a diversion to escape. Colonel Paris confirmed awareness of the device found on the suspect's person.