In rare bipartisanship, Republicans and Democrats joined together to question Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle during a congressional hearing that focused on the agency’s failures in protecting former President Donald Trump. The hearing highlighted concerns from members about the Secret Service’s ability to fulfill its core mission, culminating in Cheatle’s resignation the next day.
- The Security Lapse
A main concern was how a 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to get within 135 meters of former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite heightened security due to threats from Iran, the shooter was able to open fire, wounding President Trump as well as tragically killing an attendee and injuring two others.
- Chairman James Comer’s Opening Remarks
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) set the tone for the hearing by emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. He firmly stated, “It is my firm belief that you should resign,” highlighting the need for new leadership in the Secret Service to restore public trust.
🚨The American people have zero confidence in Secret Service Director Cheatle.
Director Cheatle failed to answer any basic questions today.
Republicans and Democrats agree: Director Cheatle must resign.👇 https://t.co/27la12kKOd
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) July 22, 2024
- Bipartisan Responses
Both Republicans and Democrats expressed their frustration and disappointment in Cheatle’s leadership. Pennsylvania representatives Summer Lee (D) and Scott Perry (R) were among those who questioned Cheatle about Secret Service protocols. Rep. Lee asked whether the agency was updating their methods to deal with an increase in political violence throughout the country. While Rep. Perry, who retired from the US army with a rank of Brigadier General, tried to garner specific details from Cheatle about the security failures at the Trump rally.
- Rep. Nancy Mace’s Rebuke
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) directly challenged Cheatle, telling her to start drafting her resignation letter. Mace didn’t hold back, accusing Cheatle of incompetence and dishonesty, and labeling her “full of s***” for evading questions and deflecting responsibility.
🔥 WOW! TOTAL SAVAGE MODE 🔥
Rep. Nancy Mace just ENDED the career of Disgraced Secret Service Director Cheatle on LIVE-TV:
"This is Bulls**t! You are FULL of SH**!"
Got Cheatle to admit her "colossal failure"
Trump assassination "was preventable"
And leaks to press
WATCH: pic.twitter.com/kPOphfSubO— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 22, 2024
- Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-OH) Questions
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was relentless in his remarks, pressing Cheatle on why Trump’s requests for additional security were denied. Cheatle’s evasive answers only fueled accusations that the agency was cutting corners and failed to take necessary precautions.
- Shooter’s Rangefinder
The shooter was spotted with a rangefinder, a tool typically used to measure distances. Cheatle admitted that rangefinders were not prohibited at rallies and evaded whether the shooter was questioned about possessing one, raising serious concerns about the agency’s protocols.
- Diversity Concerns
Lawmakers questioned whether shorter agents, including women, were adequately suited to protect the former president from gunfire. Cheatle’s responses emphasized the qualifications of all agents, but the majority of committee members, especially Scott Perry (R-PA), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and more felt her answers were insufficient,
- Calls for Immediate Action
Several lawmakers, including Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), criticized Cheatle for her incompetence and called for her immediate dismissal. Fallon’s remark that Cheatle’s agency was outsmarted by a 20-year-old who “has visited the site two more times than you [Cheatle] have,” highlighted the severity of the perceived failures.
- Cheatle’s Defiance
Despite the intense scrutiny, Cheatle remained defiant during the hearing, insisting she was the right person to lead the Secret Service. When Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) suggested she draft her resignation letter, Cheatle retorted, “No, thank you.”
- Resignation
Following the hearing, calls for Cheatle’s resignation intensified. ABC News obtained an email written by Cheatle to the Secret Service workforce announcing her resignation. Even President Joe Biden, who appointed Cheatle in 2022, acknowledged her service but implied the need for a change in leadership saying, “What happened that day can never happen again.”
Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle has resigned. @ABC’s @AaronKatersky and @LukeLBarr have obtained the email she sent out to the workforce. pic.twitter.com/ZPDhaDDBJg
— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) July 23, 2024
