Janet Napolitano joining review of Secret Service response to Trump shooting

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed a bipartisan panel of experts, including one of his predecessors, Janet Napolitano, to lead an independent review into the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The 45-day investigation will also include former Bush administration officials Frances Townsend and Mark Filip, as well as David Mitchell, former superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

In a statement, Mayorkas emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of current and former presidents and expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Secret Service. He also noted that additional experts may be added to the panel in the coming days.

The panel has been instructed to conduct a thorough review of the events leading up to, during, and after the rally, including the actions taken by the Secret Service and other authorities. Mayorkas has requested that the panel provide urgent recommendations in real time to implement any necessary changes without delay.

Napolitano, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past, mocked the former president during an interview in April. Despite this, Mayorkas emphasized that the independent review will be conducted separately from the ongoing FBI criminal investigation to ensure a thorough and unbiased assessment of the incident.

The appointment of the panel follows the shocking assassination attempt on Trump last Saturday, which has raised concerns about security breaches. The DHS review aims to provide actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the Secret Service's critical protective mission and prevent similar incidents in the future. Mayorkas and President Biden have both pledged to share the results of the review with the American public, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring the nation's security.