NW Kentucky News

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability convened a hearing today titled, “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump.” During the session, members from both parties questioned U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle regarding significant security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump, the murder of an innocent victim, and injuries to others at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Director Cheatle was unable or unwilling to answer several fundamental questions posed by committee members, prompting bipartisan calls for her immediate resignation. The committee plans to collaborate with Speaker Mike Johnson’s Task Force to investigate the security failures and propose solutions to prevent future incidents.

Key Takeaways:

Director Cheatle repeatedly failed to address basic questions concerning operational failures during the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Key Questions Unanswered by Director Cheatle:

- Did the Secret Service deny additional security requests from President Trump’s campaign?

- Why was a rooftop near the rally site left unsecured?

- Were agents at the rally affiliated with Secret Service or another department?

- Was there any intelligence gathered on the gunman?

- How were Secret Service resources deployed at the rally site?

- Was there advanced planning by Secret Service for the event?

Chairman James Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin announced a joint letter calling for Director Cheatle’s resignation.

Member Highlights:

Chairman James Comer criticized the Secret Service's performance, emphasizing its zero-fail mission. He stated: “The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence... It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign.”

During questioning by Chairman Comer, Director Cheatle did not provide clear answers about agent assignments on July 13th.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) pressed Director Cheatle on reports that multiple security requests from Trump’s campaign were denied. Rep. Jordan expressed frustration over her inability to provide specific answers.

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) highlighted internal surveys indicating declining performance and high turnover within the agency under Director Cheatle’s leadership.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) criticized Director Cheatle for failing to address footage showing the gunman getting into position before shots were fired.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) emphasized that no individual had been held accountable for security failures in Butler, PA.

Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.) noted that inconsistent information from Director Cheatle had fueled conspiracy theories online.

Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) pointed out inconsistencies in explanations regarding agent positioning on rooftops at the rally site.

Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) questioned Director Cheatle's preparedness for her testimony before Congress.

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) noted that no press conferences had been held by Secret Service or DHS since the assassination attempt, contributing to misinformation and public distrust.

The hearing underscored significant concerns about leadership and accountability within the U.S. Secret Service following an unprecedented security breach at a presidential campaign event.