Seeking Accountability for the Security Failures at President Trump’s Rally 

I’ve been engaged in national security events for many years as a former federal prosecutor and the previous chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. And I can unequivocally say President Trump’s July 13th rally was the worst security failure I’ve ever seen. 

This week, I visited the rally site to get answers. I stood in the very spot where the would-be assassin was perched with his rifle, and I could not believe how close he was to President Trump. This should never have happened.

The Secret Service has a “zero fail mission,” but my visit to the rally site further revealed the depths of Secret Service Director Cheatle’s failure that day. Her resignation is a good — yet overdue — step toward accountability. 

Director Cheatle said that she could not put agents on the roof where the shooter was because it was "too sloped." After standing on that roof, I can tell you that’s ludicrous. 

As my visit to the site made clear, there are still too many unanswered questions about the security breakdown at the Trump rally. I was proud to vote for Speaker Johnson’s bipartisan task force to further investigate the attempted assassination, and I am committed to holding those accountable for their failures.

Read more on my visit here, and click below to watch my video message from the roof:

McCaul on the roof where the shooter was perched

McCaul discussing the security failures in Pennsylvania with local law enforcement

On my tour of the site, I learned the shooter had a detonation device with him, and two of his bombs were located in his car that was parked on the other side of the of the perimeter. My conjecture is that he was going to kill the president and then detonate his car, causing a diversion that allowed him to escape from the crime scene.

During the House Homeland Security Committee hearing this week, I questioned local Pennsylvania law enforcement about this and other security failures. 

Colonel Paris, the Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, confirmed the presence of the detonation device on the shooter.

Click below to watch our full exchange.

Standing with Israel

Hamas’ October 7th massacre was one of the most cruel and barbaric attacks our generation has ever seen. Israel did not start this war; Hamas did. 

This week, Congress welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak on his country’s fight for its very existence. Israel — one of our most important allies — is fighting a war against Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. 

Meanwhile, Hamas sympathizers protested Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech. Just blocks away from the Capitol, the protesters flew Hamas flags, chanted slogans about killing Jews, vandalized property, burned American flags, and hanged Netanyahu effigies. 

This vitriolic behavior goes beyond peaceful protests and free speech, and it will only incite further violence. Our nation’s leaders must denounce this pro-Hamas extremism and make clear that antisemitism has no place in America.

I will always support Israel in its fight against terrorism. 

American Hostages Must be Returned Home

293 days after the horrific Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7th, Hamas continues to hold over 100 hostages in captivity, including eight Americans. This week, I held a bipartisan roundtable with the families of the Americans who are still held by Hamas. 

Hamas must release the hostages now. Lives are at stake and time is of the essence. I want all hostage families to know that the United States Congress stands alongside them and is calling for the safe return of their loved ones.

Click below to watch my opening remarks.

The Biden Administration’s “Border Czar” has failed

President Biden gave Vice President Kamala Harris one job — “border czar” — and she has failed. 

Since becoming vice president, she has never visited a major crossing point at our southern border. She has refused to witness the devastation that her policies have caused Texas and communities across the country. The Biden/Harris administration’s horrific policies have enabled terrorists to enter our country, posing a serious threat to our homeland.

There is no question — leadership has failed. This week, I was proud to vote for a resolution that condemned the Biden/Harris administration's disastrous border policies. 

I’m proud to stand for my constituents in Central Texas by calling out Vice President Harris’ abysmal job performance and affirming that Americans deserve leaders who will protect them by securing our border.

Read more here.

Strengthening Texas' Water Infrastructure

Texas’ water infrastructure is critical for the United States’ supply chain and energy dominance. This week, I voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which strengthens Texas’ ports and water infrastructure projects. 

The Texas port region is a leader in domestic and international shipping. This piece of legislation bolsters our supply chain, creates new jobs, and allows Texas to continue driving the United States’ economy. 

Read more here.

ICYMI: McCaul TV Coverage

McCaul on CBS Austin

"My biggest takeaway was how close [the shooter] was to the President of the United States, and how did that happen? There were a lot of mistakes made. I think, you know, the water tower behind that could have provided the Secret Service with a better view. They could have had drones. A lot of things they didn't do. And the bottom line was, at what point did they identify the suspect and why didn't they take him out earlier?"

McCaul on Newsmax's "The Record" with Greta Van Susteren

"I was one of the first [people] to climb up that rooftop to see what these shooters saw. And I saw he had a very unobstructed view of the president."

McCaul on Fox News' "Your World with Neil Cavuto"

"We also need to be on a more heightened state of awareness. I don't think the [Secret Service] director took into account the threats from Iran against the president's life, that I'm very much aware of. When [the Trump campaign] requested additional agents, the leadership at Secret Service did not provide additional agents, which would have been tremendously valuable."

ICYMI: Rep. McCaul in the News

CBS Austin: McCaul details security failures in Trump assassination attempt, calls for stronger leader

Spectrum News Austin: Rep. McCaul on Trump's attempted assassination: 'It's a wakeup call for Secret Service'

Fox News: Secret Service failures during Trump rally spur concerns for Netanyahu visit, McCaul says

Tune In To "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan

This Sunday, July 28th, I will join "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan on CBS to discuss Prime Minister Netanyhau's speech and my investigation into the Biden administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Tune in to your local listing:

Austin: 9:30am CT on KEYE

Houston: 9:30am CT on KHOU

Brazos Valley: 9:30am CT on KBTX

Click here to view this email as a webpage.

Washington, D.C.

2300 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 202-225-2401

Fax: 202-225-5955

Austin

11614 FM 2244

Suite 160

Austin, TX 78738

Phone: (512) 770-8929

Fax: (512) 473-0514

College Station

175 Century Square Drive

Suite 210

College Station, TX 77840

Phone: (979) 431-6480

Fax: (979) 431-5180