U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Cheatle revealed that the shooter had been identified as “suspicious” prior to the attack but largely avoided answering direct questions from both Democrats and Republicans during the hearing.
Cheatle sidestepped inquiries about whether a Secret Service agent was stationed on the roof from where the shot was fired and if the Trump campaign’s requests for increased security had been denied. “I’m not going to get into details of the day itself…” Cheatle stated, refusing to confirm whether drones were used by the Secret Service on the day of the shooting.
Read :Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan Confronts Kimberly Cheatle On Assassination Attempt Details
However, she did acknowledge that the FBI informed the Secret Service that the shooter had used a drone.
When pressed to confirm media reports that the shooter had been flagged as suspicious before Trump took the stage, Cheatle admitted this was true. She clarified the distinction between a “threat” and someone deemed “suspicious,” the latter being a less serious designation that warrants investigation by the Secret Service.
Cheatle also mentioned she had spoken with the counter-sniper who neutralized the shooter but withheld further details. House Judiciary Chair Rep. James Jordan (R-Ky.) questioned Cheatle about previous requests from the Trump campaign for more protection, pointing to a Secret Service spokesperson’s statement that some of those requests had been denied. Cheatle did not address these past denials but confirmed no requests were denied for the event in Butler County, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred.
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The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, climbed a rooftop approximately 150 yards from Trump and shot him in the ear. Viral videos show rally attendees spotting Crooks with a gun and attempting to alert law enforcement before the shooting.
“The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence,” said House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.). Cheatle took “full responsibility” for the security failure but repeatedly cited the recentness of the incident as a reason for not providing detailed answers, stating they are only “nine days out” from the shooting and that investigations are ongoing.
Rep. Jordan grilled Cheatle, suggesting the agency cut corners in protecting Trump. “It looks like you got a 9% raise and that you cut corners when it came to protecting one of the most important, one of the most well-known individuals on the planet, a former president, likely the guy who is going to be the next president. Looks like you guys were cutting corners. That’s what it looks like to me,” Jordan said.
Cheatle responded, saying, “I’m here because I want to answer questions…” but was interrupted by Jordan, who remarked, “You may want to, but I don’t think you’ve answered one question from the Chairman, the Ranking Member or me.”
Read: Ohio Rep. Turner Tells Secret Service Director She Would’ve ‘Looked Culpable’ If Trump Had Died
Cheatle’s testimony sparked immediate criticism. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) was among the most aggressive questioners, expressing frustration at Cheatle’s refusal to answer specific questions.
“Would you like to use my five minutes to draft your resignation letter?” she asked, echoing calls from other members for Cheatle to resign. Mace also bluntly stated, “You’re full of sh*t today. You’re just being completely dishonest.”
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