Bipartisan Task Force to Investigate Trump Assassination Attempt

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to form a bipartisan task force next week to investigate the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a weekend rally, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday. Key briefings are scheduled with top officials from the U.S. Secret Service and FBI, including FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The incident left Trump wounded in the ear, resulted in the death of a rally attendee, and injured two others, prompting serious concerns over the efficacy of the U.S. Secret Service. Johnson emphasized the urgency and bipartisan nature of the task force, which will have subpoena authority to expedite the investigation and provide transparency to the American public.

No further details were provided by Johnson's office, although he has called for the removal of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who is slated to testify before the House Oversight and Homeland Security committees next week. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old nursing home aide Thomas Matthew Crooks, exploited a security lapse by accessing a vantage point directly in line with Trump's podium.

(With inputs from agencies.)