Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers on July 22, 2024, as she testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In a stark admission, Cheatle declared, “We failed,” taking full responsibility for what she termed the agency’s “most significant operational failure” in decades.The assassination attempt, which occurred during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, left the former president wounded in the ear and resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The incident has raised serious questions about the Secret Service’s ability to protect high-profile political figures, with particular focus on how the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to position himself on a nearby rooftop with a semi-automatic rifle.Cheatle’s testimony contradicted earlier statements from the Secret Service, as she asserted that “no assets were denied” for Trump’s July 13 rally. This claim stands in contrast to previous acknowledgments that some of Trump’s requests for increased security had been rejected. The discrepancy has further fueled criticism of the agency’s handling of the situation.The fallout from the incident has been swift and severe, with several lawmakers calling for Cheatle’s resignation. However, reports indicate that Cheatle has no intention of stepping down and continues to enjoy the support of President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.As part of the ongoing response to the incident, multiple investigations have been launched. FBI Director Christopher Wray is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced the formation of a bipartisan task force to coordinate investigations. These efforts aim to uncover the full circumstances of the assassination attempt and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted agency’s failure in protecting Trump during congressional testimony.
- The July 13 assassination attempt is described as the ‘most significant operational failure’ of the Secret Service in decades.
- Multiple investigations are underway, including a bipartisan task force, to examine the security breach.
- Cheatle faces calls for resignation but retains support from President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas.
Contradictions👾Cheatle’s testimony that ‘no assets were denied’ for Trump’s July 13 rally contradicts earlier acknowledgments that some security requests were rejected.
👾There are conflicting reports about the level of security provided to Trump before the assassination attempt.
