Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and his fellow Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans have requested that Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) hold a hearing on the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, resulted in the murder and injury of other attendees at a political event.

In their letter, the senators stated: “In light of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and the murder and injury of other attendees at a peaceful political event, we urgently request that you hold a hearing into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”

The senators also called for key officials to testify. “We further request that you invite Director Kimberly Cheatle of the United States Secret Service, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security, and Director Christopher Wray of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as witnesses,” they wrote.

Expressing gratitude for law enforcement's response, they added: “We are grateful for the bravery and selflessness of the Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers on the scene, but we must get to the bottom of how the would-be assassin was able to access a nearby rooftop with a rifle and a line of sight to President Trump.”

The letter was led by Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and signed by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

The full text addressed to Chair Durbin emphasized the necessity for oversight. It read: “There is much unknown about this attempted assassination, but its occurrence raises alarming questions and concerns. We are grateful for the bravery and selflessness of the Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers on the scene, but we must get to the bottom of how the would-be assassin was able to access a nearby rooftop with a rifle and a line of sight to President Trump.”

The letter continued: “The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has an obligation to exercise its jurisdiction and oversight authority over the United States Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to shed light on this grave matter. The Committee must fulfill its responsibility to investigate this thoroughly and publicly to understand how this happened and how it can be prevented in future. The sanctity of our elections, safety of our candidates, and peaceful transition of power in our Republic demand nothing less.”

The senators concluded by expressing their condolences: “Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with those murdered and injured by this senseless violence. Chair Durbin, we hope to work with you to investigate this matter publicly, and bring answers and confidence in our system to American people.”

Senator John Cornyn is a member of Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.