House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, has expressed significant concerns about the security of U.S. and world leaders in light of the recent failed assassination attempt against former President Trump. Speaking to Fox News Digital, McCaul highlighted potential vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of high-profile visits such as that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Yeah, I mean, of course,” McCaul responded when asked if the security lapses at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, raised concerns about President Biden’s safety. “I would say any [leader]… We’ve got Netanyahu coming down tomorrow. That’s a good example.”
Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office on the decision to exit the 2024 race
Netanyahu’s Visit Amid Escalating Conflict
Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, a critical time as Israel is engaged in conflict with the pro-Palestine terror group Hamas in Gaza. With heightened tensions and the recent violent incident at Trump’s rally, security measures have been visibly increased on Capitol Hill. Fencing around the U.S. Capitol was installed as early as Tuesday morning.
The deadly shooting at Trump’s rally earlier this month, which resulted in one death and two critical injuries, has intensified concerns about the safety of elected officials. Trump himself was injured and evacuated by Secret Service agents during the incident.
Potential for Violence at Netanyahu’s Address
McCaul warned of the potential for unrest during Netanyahu’s upcoming address. “I mean, the ingredients are there for it. It’s ripe for violence,” he stated, pointing to the threat posed by pro-Palestine demonstrators. These demonstrators have been active at the Capitol since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, often confronting pro-Israel lawmakers. Over 300 protesters were arrested in late October for occupying the Cannon House Office building.
The same Capitol office building witnessed another significant protest just a day before Netanyahu’s speech. Protesters occupied the Cannon building rotunda, chanting and waving banners with messages like “Jews say: Stop the genocide.” Police intervened, leading to dozens of arrests, with some protesters detained using zip ties.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Capitol Police for further details on the security measures and the recent protests.
Enhanced Security Collaboration Needed
“This is where the feds and the Capitol Police need to be working together,” McCaul emphasized. He was part of a bipartisan group of House lawmakers who visited Butler on Tuesday to tour the site of the attempted assassination. A 20-year-old gunman had opened fire from a rooftop just outside the rally perimeter after being spotted by rally-goers an hour before the shooting.
“The site visits are really important to understand the dynamics at play, particularly a crime scene like this one, and as I understand we’re the first group to actually go up on the roof of the assassination attempt,” McCaul said. He noted how close the shooter was able to get to Trump’s location and highlighted missed opportunities for enhanced security presence.
“There was very little communication between the Secret Service and the local law enforcement,” McCaul added.
Leadership Accountability
The shooting has prompted a bipartisan backlash against U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned from her post on Tuesday. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved coordination and communication among security agencies to ensure the safety of all leaders visiting or residing in the U.S.
As the world watches Netanyahu’s address to Congress, the heightened security measures and recent events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding high-profile figures against potential threats.