Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, the Biden Administration has tasked a bipartisan panel with conducting an independent security review. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the appointment of Janet Napolitano, his former boss and a prominent Trump critic, to lead the investigation. Napolitano, who served as Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, will head a team of experts examining the actions and policies of the U.S. Secret Service and other authorities before, during, and after the incident.
Napolitano’s selection is notable given her outspoken opposition to Trump. In 2017, she sued the Trump Administration over its immigration policies. During a Democratic National Committee conference call in 2020, she criticized Trump for lacking a plan to address systemic racism in the U.S. and accused him of exacerbating tensions during the January 6 Capitol riots by “throwing gasoline on the fire.”
The panel includes former officials with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement and security: Mark Filip, a former Deputy Attorney General under George W. Bush known for his involvement in the controversial plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein; Frances Townsend, who served as Homeland Security Advisor under Bush; and David Mitchell, a former Maryland State Police superintendent. Their collective experience will be critical in evaluating the Secret Service’s protocols and response.
The panel has been given 45 days to complete its review and provide recommendations to improve the safety of current and former U.S. Presidents. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of this investigation, highlighting the need for transparency and immediate action where necessary. The panel’s findings will be shared with the public, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to accountability.
As the FBI continues its criminal investigation into the assassination attempt, the panel’s work will focus on identifying any failures in the existing security measures and suggesting improvements. The outcome of this review could lead to significant reforms in how the Secret Service and other agencies ensure the safety of high-profile individuals.
