WASHINGTON D.C, (National Presse) – On Monday, the United States Secret Service director addressed Congress, acknowledging the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump as the “most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.” Director Kim Cheatle took full responsibility for the security lapses that occurred on that day. During her testimony before the House Committee, she emphasized the Secret Service’s solemn mission to protect the nation’s leaders, admitting that the agency failed on July 13. She assured the committee of full cooperation with ongoing investigations to understand what went wrong.
Cheatle’s testimony, which marked her first hearing before Congress, lasted for 4 hours and 40 minutes. She expressed her commitment to preventing a recurrence of such incidents, vowing to move “heaven and Earth” to ensure it never happens again. Highlighting the non-political nature of their mission, Cheatle stressed the life-and-death stakes of their work, especially in light of the July 13 events. She also expressed confidence in the dedication and capabilities of the Secret Service personnel.
The Secret Service faced additional scrutiny this week, as they were also tasked with securing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C., and overseeing security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Cheatle faced intense questioning from the House Oversight Committee about the agency’s handling of security during the assassination attempt on Trump. Calls for her resignation came from both Republicans and Democrats, with several committee members expressing a loss of confidence in her leadership.
During the hearing, Cheatle defended the actions of the agents who protected Trump, highlighting their bravery in the face of danger. Despite admitting to some lapses, she insisted that the agents’ quick response in neutralizing the threat was commendable. Cheatle acknowledged the ongoing investigations and promised transparency and accountability. She also emphasized her efforts to improve hiring and staffing since taking charge in 2022, reaffirming her commitment to leading the Secret Service through this challenging period.
The hearing room was packed, with high-profile attendees including House Speaker Mike Johnson. Cheatle faced further questions about the adequacy of the agency’s response and the timeline of events surrounding the assassination attempt. While she promised a thorough review and cooperation with all investigations, members of Congress expressed frustration over the lack of immediate answers. The ongoing investigations by the DHS inspector general, the FBI, and Congress aim to uncover what went wrong and prevent future security failures.
