America First Legal (AFL) filed a lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for concealing government documents related to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
American Football League Assert DHS and USSS have blocked its request for information about staffing shortages, hiring standards and interagency communications related to the assassination attempt in Butler County, Pa. The AFL claims it has yet to receive the records, has requested expedited processing and accuses DHS and USSS of “illegally concealing” documents despite meeting all of its criteria. (Related article: Secret Service calls for increased funding following assassination attempt on President Trump)
“On July 13th, the American people watched in horror as a madman attempted to assassinate former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump,” said AFL Executive Director Gene Hamilton. said In a press release, the Department of Homeland Security said, “Today, there is broad, bipartisan recognition of the catastrophic failures that occurred that tragic day and in the weeks and months prior. We are committed to obtaining these records so the American people can see for themselves what senior leadership at the Department of Homeland Security prioritized in their mission and why more resources were not devoted to protecting President Donald J. Trump.”
BUTLER, PA – JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump raises his fist as he is hurriedly escorted off the stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
According to a press release, the USSS told the AFL in July that it would not process the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request because “no one's life or safety is threatened” and there is “no urgency to inform the public about government activities.” However, the AFL noted that the USSS had previously asked for similar requests to be expedited. (Related: 'They lied to us': Mike Lee questions why Secret Service allowed Trump to take the stage after shooter was identified)
“I am completely outraged by the totally inadequate response from the Department of Homeland Security,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Monday. “In fact, I think it amounts to obstruction in many ways. I think the Department of Homeland Security should be more forthright, not just with me, but with the American people.”
The AFL's request for information came after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire and injured the former president during the rally from a rooftop just 130 yards from the stage. Many An investigation into security lapses that occurred leading up to the shooting. Discovered It was reported by an eyewitness, flagged by the Secret Service and identified by a counter sniper more than an hour before Trump took the stage. (Related article: “Zero Faith”: Republican congressman worries political bias will hinder investigation into Trump shooting)
“The American people and Congress deserve full transparency,” the press release read.
The USSS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation, and DHS declined to comment.
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