NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump.” In his statement, Chairman Comer emphasized that the hearing is intended to provide answers to the American public regarding the attempted assassination of President Trump. He highlighted historic security failures during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign to ensure accountability.

Chairman Comer urged unity against extremism and political violence, stating that action must be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Below are excerpts from Chairman Comer's prepared remarks:

“Today’s hearing is for the American people who are seeking answers about the attempted assassination of President Trump.”

“A little over a week ago, Americans watched in horror as a shooter attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

“The gunman nearly succeeded. The bullet that struck President Trump’s head was less than an inch from taking his life.”

“President Trump survived, but one rally-goer, Corey Compertore, tragically did not. Two others were seriously injured.”

“It was a horrifying moment in American history. The horror was exceeded only by the bravery of the law enforcement agents who threw themselves in harm’s way when shots were fired, the bravery of a crowd unwavering in its refusal to panic, and the bravery of a bloody President Trump refusing to run.”

“While we give overwhelming thanks to the individual Secret Service agents who did their jobs under immense pressure, this tragedy was preventable.”

“The Secret Service’s ‘Protective Mission’ is to ‘protect[] U.S. and visiting world leaders’ and ‘safeguard[] U.S. elections through protection of candidates and nominees.’”

“The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally.”

“The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence.”

“This Committee has a long track record of providing oversight of the Secret Service. Our predecessors, Jason Chaffetz and Elijah Cummings among others, worked together to issue warnings and recommendations to address obvious shortcomings in the agency’s makeup and operations. Unfortunately, those warnings and recommendations have gone unheeded.”

“A former President and current candidate for President was shot in the head by a sniper within 500 feet of the podium. This is unacceptable and we are concerned the Secret Service lacks proper management to keep protectees safe from bad actors.”

“Americans demand answers, but they have not been getting them from the Secret Service. We are instead learning about new facts about events surrounding the attempted assassination every day from whistleblowers and leaks.”

“Americans demand accountability, but no one has yet been fired for this historic failure.”

“Today’s witness—Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle—is here under subpoena to answer questions about how the agency failed President Trump and victims who attended the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania."

“It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign."

“However—in complete defiance—Director Cheatle has maintained she will not tender her resignation. Therefore, she will answer questions today from Members of this Committee seeking clarity for Americans about how these events were allowed to transpire."

“We will ask these questions because neither DHS nor Secret Service have provided answers willingly."

“DHS has sought to push this hearing to another time; Secret Service suggested it occur without media presence; both agencies offered shallow explanations about what happened on July 13."

"DHS's lack of communication with our Committee required me to issue a subpoena compelling Director Cheatle's attendance today; still DHS requested more time."

"It shouldn’t take much time or preparation for transparency with Americans."

“I am thankful Ranking Member Mr. Raskin joined me insisting Director Cheatle appear today."

"The safety of protectees isn’t based on political affiliation; under Director Cheatle's leadership we question whether anyone is safe—not President Biden or First Lady or White House or candidates."

"July 13th attempt represents darkest parts: hatred & extremism turning dangerous."

"Before politics we're Americans; placing affiliations above duty & love jeopardizes country."

"Our Republic can't be strong if leadership/elections/institutions/candidates threatened by extremism/violence."

"Director Cheatle will explain why she deserves her role & detail events leading up July 13th catastrophe."

"I don't believe she should remain head but Members/Americans will decide based on today's testimony."

"I urge transparency/forthcomingness; Americans deserve no less."

"We must find out how this happened & ensure it never happens again."

“I yield to Ranking Member for his opening remarks.”