On July 13, a would-be assassin opened fire on former President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, critically injuring two people and killing one firefighter who protected his family.
The New York Times reported that Kelly, who was present with his family during the attack, has been named chairman of a bipartisan task force to investigate the shooting.
The shocking incident took place during a public event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Trump was addressing a crowd. The attack resulted in the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed while protecting his loved ones.
Two other individuals sustained critical injuries. The event, which occurred in Kelly’s district, has now become a central focus of his work in Congress.
Representative Mike Kelly, a Republican from Pennsylvania, was in the audience with his family during the attempted assassination.
The congressman was approximately 50 to 60 feet away from the former president when the shooting occurred. As shots rang out, Kelly’s immediate concern was for the safety of his family.
“I’m watching the president,” Kelly recounted. “He’s probably 50 to 60 feet away. He’s going over a chart and just turns his head, and all of a sudden there’s this pop and then he grabs the side of his head... My first inclination is, where is my wife? Where are my grandchildren? Where’s my son?”
The chaos that ensued left an indelible mark on Kelly, particularly as he witnessed the aftermath of the shooting. A woman nearby was crying out for help, her clothes stained with blood. This firsthand experience has fueled Kelly’s commitment to uncover the truth behind the attack.
Before the event, Kelly had raised concerns about the security arrangements. He questioned the Trump campaign about the planning and setup of the venue, expressing doubts about its adequacy. His concerns, however, were dismissed.
“I said, ‘I think that’s a mistake,’” Kelly noted, reflecting on his premonition. “I feel today even stronger after what happened July the 13th. I have even more confidence that the original setup was not done properly.”
In the wake of the shooting, these security concerns have become a significant point of inquiry for the newly formed task force, which Kelly will lead.
Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Kelly as the chairman of the task force, recognizing his unique perspective and personal connection to the event.
The task force is composed of 13 members, including individuals with military and legal backgrounds. Despite his own background in automotive sales and his role on the Ways and Means Committee, Kelly proposed the creation of the task force, underscoring his dedication to the investigation.
Kelly emphasized that the task force’s work will be conducted in a bipartisan manner. He described the members as “serious, serious people” who are committed to shedding light on the events of July 13, rather than seeking the spotlight themselves.
Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, a Democrat, will partner with Kelly on the task force, bringing a bipartisan approach to the investigation.
Together, they have initiated a series of actions, including sending joint letters to the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, Justice Department, and FBI. These letters demand documents and interviews to support the investigation.
One of the primary objectives of the task force is to identify the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and understand his motives. Kelly has expressed a strong desire to learn more about Crooks, noting, “We don’t know much about Crooks. I want to find out more about, ‘Who is this person?’”
The events of July 13 have left a lasting impact on Representative Mike Kelly, both personally and professionally.
As chairman of the bipartisan task force, he is committed to uncovering the truth behind the assassination attempt on former President Trump.
With a dedicated team of experienced members and staff, Kelly is determined to address security failures, and identify the gunman. The findings of this task force will be crucial in understanding the events of that day and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
