Lawmakers From Both Parties Demand Resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle
In a recent hearing taking place on Capitol Hill, Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle was confronted by lawmakers from both parties sternly demanding her resignation. The request followed a troubling congressional hearing during which Director Cheatle allegedly failed to properly answer crucial questions about the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump.
Decline to Answer Key Security Questions
According to lawmakers present at the hearing, Director Cheatle was unable to provide satisfactory answers to fundamental inquiries about the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt. The event occurred on July 13, when a gunman targeted former President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, PA. No clear information was provided regarding the number of agents in duty during the event, or the decision process that led to the exclusion of a nearby rooftop from the security perimeter of the event, a concerning omission given the assassin’s choice of location.
To lawmakers’ frustration, Director Cheatle was also unable to answer why Secret Service agents were not aware until the last moments that members of the crowd had identified a gunman on the neglected rooftop.
Unsatisfactory Timeline of Events
Other frustrations ensued when Director Cheatle was asked to provide a detailed timeline of the string of events leading up to the attack. Her inability to provide specifics about the timeline incited laughter in the room. This moment, among others during the hearing, led the lawmakers to question her capacity to lead the Secret Service.
Criticism From Both Sides of the Aisle
By the conclusion of the hearing, many Democratic representatives— who traditionally defend their party’s appointees— were openly critical of Director Cheatle’s actions and preparedness. This change of heart was captured in a vocalized consensus of dissatisfaction propagated by the House Oversight Committee.
Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a top Democrat on the committee, commented that he saw “no daylight” between members of the two parties, signaling their united front of “bafflement and outrage” at the proceedings. Raskin joined the committee’s Republican Chairman, Representative James R. Comer of Kentucky, in calling for Director Cheatle’s resignation.
Loss of Confidence and Trust
In conclusion, Representative Comer stated, “The director has lost the confidence of Congress, at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country.” This sentiment echoed through the committee, reflecting a shared concern for national security and unified disapproval of Director Cheatle’s handling of the situation.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
