Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., has called for the resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle following a recent assassination attempt on former President Trump. Cheatle admitted that the Secret Service is accountable for protecting the former president and accepted responsibility for the failed security detail that allowed the assailant to get close to Trump. Harris, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, emphasized that the Secret Service failed to ensure the safety of the venue and lacked proper communication with local law enforcement.
The incident occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to reach the rooftop of a building overlooking a presidential rally for Trump. Gunshots were fired towards Trump from the rooftop, with one bullet grazing his right ear. The Secret Service faced backlash for allowing the shooter to have a clear line of sight of the president from a considerable distance. Despite efforts by local law enforcement, the suspect was able to evade detection and carry out the attempt on Trump’s life.
Harris expressed disappointment in Cheatle’s response to the incident, noting that excuses were being made instead of accepting accountability for the security lapse. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting that the former president was nearly assassinated in a preventable scenario. Harris stressed the importance of finding a new director for the Secret Service who would prioritize the safety of all protectees, especially high-profile figures like former presidents.
Following the assassination attempt, eyewitness accounts detailed the chaos and fear that ensued during the rally. Reports of blood and panic filled the scene, painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded. The Secret Service’s failure to secure the area and prevent the shooter from targeting Trump raised concerns about the effectiveness of their security protocols and coordination with local authorities.
As investigations continue into the security breach and the response by the Secret Service, questions linger about the adequacy of measures in place to protect public figures. The call for Cheatle’s resignation reflects a demand for greater accountability and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of security for individuals under the protection of the Secret Service. The need for a thorough review of security procedures and protocols is evident to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
