Cape News

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has urged Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to declassify documents related to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. In a letter sent to Secretary Noem, Senator Hawley emphasized the importance of transparency in maintaining public trust during national crises.

“I write to you following the one-year anniversary of the first assassination attempt against President Donald J. Trump. This occasion marks a deeply troubling chapter in our nation’s history and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in preserving public trust during moments of national crisis. To that end, I urge you to take the necessary steps to declassify all documents within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) related to the events of July 13, 2024,” Senator Hawley wrote.

Senator Hawley had previously released a whistleblower report in September 2024 detailing failures by the United States Secret Service concerning the attempted assassination. He criticized previous DHS leadership for not cooperating with congressional investigations and withholding information from the public.

In his letter, Senator Hawley requested that Secretary Noem declassify all relevant documents while allowing only essential redactions for ongoing operations or individual safety. He called for an inventory of all classified materials related to the incident and an explanation for any continued classification. Additionally, he asked for a plan and timeline for releasing these documents by July 30, 2025.

The request aims to provide a comprehensive account of the event and ensure government accountability in improving protective measures.