Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to Testify Before House Oversight Committee on Trump Assassination Attempt
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Trump. The hearing comes amid intense criticism of Cheatle’s leadership and calls for her to step down.
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Cheatle to appear as part of an open investigation into the shooting that took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was shot in the ear, one attendee was killed, and two others were injured.
In a statement, Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, confirmed Cheatle’s attendance at the hearing. ABC News has reported excerpts of the testimony Cheatle is expected to deliver.
Cheatle is expected to take full responsibility for any security lapse that occurred on July 13th, stating, “The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13th, we failed.” She also mentioned that the agency is fully cooperating with the FBI’s investigation and conducting its own internal review.
Republicans and some Democrats have raised questions about the Secret Service’s performance in allowing a gunman to get close to the former president and fire multiple shots. Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has accused the agency of a lack of transparency and is expected to call for Cheatle’s resignation during the hearing.
Despite the intense criticism, Cheatle has stated that she does not intend to resign and is committed to transparency and strengthening the agency through internal and external reviews.
The hearing is expected to shed light on the security failures that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump and the agency’s response to the incident. Stay tuned for updates on Cheatle’s testimony and the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
