Staff Reports
One of the House Republicans spearheading an unofficial investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has taken aim at the newly formed bipartisan task force established by the GOP leadership, labeling it as a product of political maneuvering rather than genuine inquiry. This unsanctioned effort, dubbed the “J13 Forum,” aligns itself with the date of the assassination attempt in July and kicked off its inaugural hearing. The discussion centered on the apparent failures of federal agencies to respond promptly during the crucial moments leading up to the attack.
The official task force, which consists of both Republicans and Democrats, was set into motion by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Its creation seemed designed to project an image of bipartisanship, but one sharp Republican, Crane, hasn’t been shy in accusing the leadership of stacking the deck with panel members who were unlikely to ruffle any feathers. He pointedly remarked that his own candidacy, along with others like Rep. Cory Mills and Rep. Morgan Luttrell, was conveniently sidelined. The concern is that inviting representation from either extreme of the political spectrum could ultimately water down the investigation.
This debate bubbles over into the realm of who gets called to testify. Crane’s insinuations hint at a profound concern that the official task force might feel constrained to avoid crucial witnesses who could challenge the accepted narratives surrounding the events. Such reluctance could ultimately mute key discussions that need to happen.
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, testified before the J13 Forum, suggesting that political considerations may have influenced the security measures—or lack thereof—that surrounded Trump. According to Bongino, failing to provide an elevated security posture not only undermined the safety of the candidate but did so in a manner that was embarrassingly tied to optics and public image. The implication is that those in charge might have prioritized the superficial over the substantial, all driven by petty political calculations.
Trump shooting task force ‘politically put together,’ says rogue panel leader https://t.co/mL8IisQm5l
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 27, 2024
With high-profile members contributing to the discourse, including the outspoken Rep. Matt Gaetz, the J13 Forum has made it clear that they will be examining whether negligence was purely a result of government inefficiency or if it stems from a more sinister intent to undermine Trump. This investigation is starkly contrasted by the official panel’s slower, methodical approach—more reminiscent of a snail at a marathon. In a political landscape thick with red tape and vague intentions, it raises questions about accountability and the lengths to which power players will go to obscure the truth.
The J13 Forum has signaled its intent to continue its hearings for the foreseeable future, pursuing answers to some of the more unconventional questions likely boiling in the minds of many Americans. While the final report remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the stakes have been raised, and the scrutiny is only just beginning.
