Mayorkas vows thorough investigation into Trump shooting

BOGOTA —

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday that an independent investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, occurred on Saturday, will begin in a matter of days.

During a White House press conference, Mayorkas said that “secret service and other law enforcement actions before, during and after the shooting will be reviewed to identify immediate and long-term corrective actions necessary” to ensure security.

The secretary explained that the FBI is leading the “ongoing criminal investigation,” and an independent review will be conducted with findings and recommendations, without giving further details.

“We condemn unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms the violence our nation witnessed that day,” he stressed.

More security

The secretary said that “both President Biden and former President Trump are constantly subject to threats.”

In this regard, he assured that security has been reinforced for the former Republican president, during the republican conventionthat an appropriate level of security will be provided for JD Vance, his running mate ahead of the November general election and that, in addition, President Joe Biden ordered the protection of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Personnel and other resources, technology and protective capabilities have been added,” he said.

Asked about his confidence in the Secret Service and its director, Kimberly Cheatle, following Saturday’s shooting, the secretary said positively: “100 percent.”

“What was seen on stage on Saturday, in terms of people putting their own lives at risk to protect the lives of others, is exactly what the American public should see every day,” he added.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the motive for the attack and the shooter’s affiliations were still being investigated.

“We don’t know if he had any help or support or if he communicated with anyone else,” he said.

On Monday, the FBI released a statement saying it had gained access to the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the failed assassination attempt on Trump.

The FBI noted that his investigation into Saturday’s attackwhich is being treated as an attempted murder and a possible act of terrorism, and is still in its early stages.

“FBI technical specialists successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone and are continuing to analyze his electronic devices,” the FBI said in a statement.

“The search of the subject’s residence and vehicle is complete.”

The office added that it has conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement officers, event attendees and other witnesses.

[Con información de Reuters]

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