U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) is still trying to find answers to how a shooter got within an inch of assassinating former President Donald Trump. Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher L. Paris testified to the House Homeland Security Committee hearing Tuesday about the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pa. on July 13th.
“I think all of us agree that none of us ever wanted to be holding a hearing like this,” Strong said.
Today at the @homelandgop hearing, I raised concerns about communication failures from the Secret Service to other law enforcement agencies.
On July 13, we witnessed a massive security failure that we must ensure never happens again. I am committed to investigating the shortfalls… pic.twitter.com/apve0sNbVA— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) July 23, 2024
Strong questioned Harris about the lack of communication between Secret Service agents and local law enforcement at the event.
Strong: Colonel Paris understand that state and local locals were the ones that first alerted the command center of a suspicious individual some 20 minutes before he started shooting, is that correct?
Paris: That’s my understanding of the sequence of events.
Strong: Does the Pennsylvania State Police use a digital radio radio system, whether it be the P-25 or something of that nature?
Paris: Yes, we do.
Strong: Does the Secret Service also use a digital radio system?
Paris: I would have to get you information on that. I don’t know.
Strong: Colonel Paris as you just shared after state and locals identified the shooter as suspicious. They relayed that information to Secret Service and were given a number to send their concerns to. Is this standard operating procedures to be left a phone number to give your information to rather than direct communications through radio?
Paris: I don’t want to say that it’s standard operating procedure. But if it’s if it was a system that or a measure that worked to push that information to the people who needed it in the most expeditious means I wouldn’t be averse to going away from standard protocols.
The congressman has also been very critical of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned Tuesday.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigning is the first step in accountability for the failure to protect President Trump, but the American people still deserve real answers. I am committed to continuing this investigation until we uncover the facts.
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) July 23, 2024
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
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