During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the United States Secret Service (USSS), faced scrutiny over the agency’s denial of additional security requests from Donald Trump’s campaign. Despite numerous inquiries, particularly from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) regarding the frequency of these rejections, Cheatle remained unable to provide specific numbers, frequently stating her lack of detailed knowledge on the matter.
The spotlight on the USSS’s decisions intensified following an event on July 13, where an attempt on Trump’s life was made by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks during a rally. Cheatle admitted in her opening statements that the USSS fell short of its protective responsibilities on that day.
The hearing, presided over by Chairman James Comer, also paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father who tragically lost his life protecting his family during the assassination attempt at the rally.
Comperatore’s heroic actions were highlighted as Comer criticized the USSS for its “zero fail mission” that ultimately failed, pressing for Cheatle’s resignation and underscoring the need for accountability within the agency. Moreover, Comer emphasized the importance of unity and the rejection of political violence in America, stressing that overcoming division is paramount.
