House Committee Demands Resignation of Secret Service Director Following Security Failures at Trump Rally

 House Committee Calls for Resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle After Major Security Failures at Trump Rally

WASHINGTON – The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted a critical hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump.” During the session, both Republican and Democrat members interrogated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle about the grave security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump and the tragic death of an innocent bystander at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Director Cheatle's inability or refusal to address basic inquiries from the Committee has resulted in bipartisan demands for her immediate resignation. The American public seeks clarity, and the House Oversight Committee, in collaboration with Speaker Mike Johnson’s Task Force, is committed to investigating this security breach and identifying measures to prevent future occurrences.

Key Takeaways:

• Failure to Address Questions: Director Cheatle repeatedly failed to provide answers regarding critical security questions posed by both Republican and Democrat members.
• Security Denials and Lapses: Key unanswered questions include whether the Secret Service denied additional security to President Trump’s campaign, why a nearby rooftop with a clear view of the podium was left unsecured, and the extent of intelligence gathered on the gunman.
• Operational Failures: The hearing highlighted several operational failures, including unclear deployment of Secret Service resources and lack of advanced planning for the rally.

Member Highlights:

• Chairman James Comer: Emphasized the zero-fail mission of the Secret Service, criticizing the agency’s competence under Director Cheatle following the historic security failures in Pennsylvania.
• Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio): Questioned Director Cheatle about reports that the Trump campaign's requests for additional security were denied.
• Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.): Highlighted concerns about the declining performance and morale within the Secret Service.
• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.): Criticized Director Cheatle for not addressing questions related to the gunman’s recorded movements.
• Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas): Stressed the lack of transparency and accountability within the Secret Service leadership.
• Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.): Noted that the lack of information has fueled conspiracy theories and misinformation.
• Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas): Questioned the inconsistent explanations regarding the absence of an agent on the critical rooftop.
• Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.): Pointed out that Director Cheatle failed to provide answers despite having nearly a week to prepare for the testimony.
• Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.): Criticized the Secret Service for not holding press conferences to reassure the public about their preparedness.

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability will continue its bipartisan oversight and investigation to ensure that such failures are addressed and rectified, ensuring the safety and security of future events.4o