‘On July 13th, we failed’; Secret Service to take responsibility for security failure

Erie, Pa. ( WJET/WFXP ) — “The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13th, we failed,” U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee, according to testimony excerpts released by the Department of Homeland Security

“As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse. As an agency, we are fully cooperating with the FBI’s investigation, the oversight you have initiated here, and conducting our own internal mission assurance review at my direction. Likewise, we will cooperate with the pending external review and the DHS Office of the Inspector General.”

U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle

The committee is expected to grill Cheatle on what the Secret Serice knew, and what went wrong on that day. They are also expected to question her about whether the Secret Service has previously denied requests for additional security for former President Donald Trump.

However, Cheatle previously stated that she would not be resigning due to the events on July 13.

In a rare bipartisan statement, the committee’s top Democrat, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin demanded that Cheatle testify after the Department of Homeland Security asked that her appearance be delayed, resulting in Rep. James Comer of Kentucky issuing a subpoena.

“Americans have many serious questions about the historic security failures that occurred at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle must appear before the House Oversight Committee without delay on Monday, July 22 to answer our many questions and provide the transparency and accountability that Americans deserve and that are at the foundation of our government,” they wrote.

The hearing comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington this week for a three-day visit, with the Secret Service heading the security for his visit.

Cheatle has a nearly 30-year career at the Secret Service, according to a source familiar with her background. She joined the agency in 1996 and was the first woman to lead the Office of Protective Operations, which oversees all protectee details.

She also protected Joe Biden during his time as Vice President and also provided protection for Vice President Dick Cheney on September 11th, by taking him to the secure bunker.

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