Secret Service Director Faces Harsh Criticism During Congressional Hearing

Kimberly Cheatle , the Director of the United States Secret Service, faced a barrage of criticism during a congressional hearing on Monday (July 22) over the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump . Cheatle was repeatedly questioned about security failures that led to the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The incident, which Cheatle called the "most significant operational failure" of her agency in decades, resulted in the injury of the former president and the death of a rallygoer.

"Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent," said Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio . "If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable."

During the hearing, Cheatle was asked about the gunman's access to the warehouse roof from which he fired, how he managed to bring a firearm to the event, and why Mr. Trump was allowed to come onstage despite warnings about a suspicious person. However, she declined to answer these and many other questions, citing the ongoing investigation. This refusal to provide specific details angered members of both parties, leading to calls for her resignation.

"What are you covering up? What are you hiding, my friend?" Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan asked Cheatle after she refused to answer several questions .

"I'm not covering anything up," Cheatle responded.

Despite the criticism, Cheatle remained firm in her decision to stay on as director. She emphasized her nearly three-decade career with the agency and assured the committee that she would provide answers when a full and complete report is available.