Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged the incident at Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania, as the “most significant operational failure” in decades.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense scrutiny from the House Oversight Committee on Monday, as she took responsibility for security failures in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. However, she avoided answering several critical questions.
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Cheatle, who appeared under subpoena, did not clarify whether the Secret Service had secured the building from which the gunman fired or how he accessed the roof. She cited an ongoing investigation for not divulging specifics. “There was a plan in place to provide overwatch, and we are still looking into responsibilities,” she said.
Her responses led to bipartisan calls for her resignation, with committee members criticizing her for incompetence and lack of transparency. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., expressed her frustration, accusing Cheatle of dishonesty and evasion, and announced plans to file articles of impeachment against her for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., echoed this sentiment, indicating on X that Cheatle’s “disastrous” committee appearance left no choice but to pursue impeachment. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., suggested drafting a resolution to hold Cheatle in inherent contempt, which could result in fines or custody.
During the hearing, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, both pressed Cheatle for straightforward answers about security protocols, but Cheatle’s lack of direct responses frustrated them. Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, pointed out that while Trump survived, the outcome could have been much worse, leading to more severe repercussions for Cheatle.
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In her opening statement, Cheatle acknowledged the incident at Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as the “most significant operational failure” in decades. She vowed to learn from the event and take corrective action. Despite the tragedy, she refrained from providing detailed numbers on the security personnel present or discussing the agency’s internal requests for additional security.
Cheatle revealed that the gunman had been identified as suspicious before Trump took the stage, but was not deemed a threat until seconds before the shooting. She explained that counter-snipers did not need permission to engage threats and denied any order to hold fire.
When questioned about her communication methods, Cheatle admitted to occasionally using encrypted apps but not on her work device. She remained steadfast in her decision to stay on as director, emphasizing her integrity and commitment to the agency.
Kimberly Cheatle promised a complete report within 60 days, a timeline that committee members deemed too lengthy.
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Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “Every American wants these questions answered.”