Secret Service Director Testifies: ‘We Failed’ in Protecting Trump

In a gripping testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged her agency’s failure to protect former President Donald Trump during an assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This marked Cheatle’s first appearance before Congress since the incident, which has been described as the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.

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During her opening statement, Cheatle expressed deep regret, stating, «The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13th, we failed.” She emphasized her accountability for any lapses that may have occurred. The tragic event resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief lauded as a hero, along with several injuries to others, including David Dutch and James Copenhaven.

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As the hearing commenced, Cheatle reassured lawmakers that the Secret Service is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations led by the FBI and a separate internal review. However, she was limited in her ability to share specific findings due to the active nature of these probes. «We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure an incident like July 13th does not happen again,» Cheatle stated emphatically.

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The timing of Cheatle’s testimony is critical, given the mounting pressure from Republican leadership. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has called for her resignation, expressing disbelief at the agency’s failures. «This tragedy was preventable. The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13. It has now become the face of incompetence,» Comer asserted.

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As the hearing unfolded, it was clear that the Secret Service’s decisions in the days leading up to the rally are under scrutiny. Reports revealed that the agency denied various requests from Trump’s team for additional security resources, including magnetometers at prior events and special tactical units for crowd control during significant rallies.

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Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that over a two-year period leading up to the assassination attempt, at least six requests for enhanced security measures were denied. “In some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided, the agency made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee,” Guglielmi explained.

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In contrast, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas intervened, asserting that the Secret Service had indeed increased security efforts for Trump due to a rise in threats. Mayorkas’s defense indicated a divide between the DHS and the Secret Service’s interpretations of the events leading up to the assassination attempt.

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To further address the myriad concerns regarding the security protocol, Mayorkas announced the formation of an independent review panel comprising security experts, including former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and other prominent figures with extensive law enforcement experience. This panel has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Secret Service’s actions before, during, and after the incident.

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Amidst the turmoil, Cheatle expressed her gratitude for the quick response from her agents and local law enforcement during the assassination attempt. She highlighted the heroic actions of her team, who shielded Trump and neutralized the threat posed by the gunman.

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Despite her readiness to accept responsibility, Cheatle demonstrated a commitment to refining the agency’s approach to protectees. “I have instructed my team that all necessary resources will be dedicated to investigating these matters. We will not rest until we have explored every option, and we will leave no stone unturned,” she promised.

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Cheatle’s testimony comes during an incredibly tense political climate as the Secret Service prepares for future events, including the upcoming Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention. The agency continues to face challenges in an increased threat environment that demands immediate adaptation and response.

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In light of these incidents, Cheatle is advocating for a reevaluation of how the Secret Service approaches security for public figures. «The job of a special agent is highly competitive. I am proud that this year we had a net gain of over 200 special agents,» she noted, underscoring her plans to improve agency staffing and technology to better meet protective demands.

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As discussions wrap up within these congressional inquiries, it remains evident that the Secret Service will be under a microscope as it navigates its mission to safeguard the nation’s leaders amidst scrutiny and evolving threats. The outcomes of these investigations may significantly influence not just the agency’s internal protocols but also the public’s perception of its efficacy moving forward.