Nearly a week after the shocking failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania political rally, Republican lawmakers, including top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, are demanding the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
The Secret Service has come under fire for failure to secure the location and maintain a standard safety perimeter in which the shooter was able to access and shoot Trump in the ear, narrowly missing a fatal blow. The Secret Service immediately killed the shooter.
McConnell’s Call for Resignation
McConnell wrote on X, “Last week’s near-assassination of former President Trump was a grave attack on American democracy. The nation deserves answers and accountability. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Demands
Along with McConnell’s call for Cheatle’s resignation, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson demanded a change at the helm of the Secret Service. Johnson also announced the creation of a task force to consolidate the myriad investigations into the security breaches at Trump’s rally.
Previously, as many as six Congressional Committees were undertaking independent investigations that Johnson would harness into one in the House of Representatives.
Homeland Security Secretary’s Support for Cheatle
While Republican lawmakers demand answers to what Speaker Johnson called the “inexcusable” security breach, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has stated that he has “100 percent” confidence in the Secret Service and supports Cheatle.
Cheatle’s Response
In response to the outcry for her resignation, Cheatle said she has “no intention” of stepping down from her post as Director of the nonpartisan Secret Service. The Secret Service has emphasized the need for “continuity in leadership,” especially in the tumultuous environment currently facing both Presidential candidates.
Participation in Investigations
Cheatle intends to participate fully in any investigation despite ignoring calls to step down. The Department stated they are “fiercely committed to transparency in leading the Secret Service through the internal investigation and strengthening the agency through lessons learned in these important internal and external reviews.”
Cheatle’s Address to Lawmakers
Lawmakers first heard from Cheatle Monday following the Saturday shooting, where she praised the Agency’s response, specifically the swift killing of the shooter by a sniper team.
She also said that the Agency had adequate protection plans and security measures in place for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the Republican candidates for President and Vice President would be present.
Republican Lawmakers’ Reaction
Republican lawmakers were disgruntled and upset by the apparent lapses in security on Saturday at the rally where Trump was shot, and Cheatle did not provide adequate comments on these lapses, leading to calls for her resignation.
Security Lapses
The lapses that were not addressed included the shooter being able to access a rooftop near the rally that was not swept by the Secret Service, as reported by CNN Monday.
The rooftop that the Secret Service did not sweep was less than 200 yards from the rally, and the shooter scaled the outside, likely using air conditioning units to get to the top. Secret Service agents were inside the building monitoring from the windows.
Failure to Stop the Shooter
Further, CBS reported that an officer acknowledged seeing the shooter walking around and “scoping out” the building carrying a range finder. However, subsequently, no one stopped the shooter from climbing the tower.
Local Law Enforcement’s Blame
Local Pennsylvania law enforcement has blamed the Secret Service for “abysmal planning,” putting the onus back on the Agency and Cheatle for the breach.
Identified Security Vulnerability
Finally, the rooftop that the Secret Service failed to sweep and monitor was previously identified as a security vulnerability.
Security Failures Lead to Congressional Calls for Resignation
These security failures in unison created an opportunity for a would-be assassin. Despite the Secret Service’s quick response to kill the 20-year-old shooter, the performance of the Agency left the Presidential Candidate in harm’s way, leading to multiple calls for Cheatle’s resignation.
Future Investigations
Despite her refusal to step down now, further details and information are sure to emerge in the wake of further investigation and probes at the congressional level.
