Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., expressed concerns about the Secret Service's performance during the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month. Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service Director, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., has raised concerns about the performance of the Secret Service in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Cheatle, the Secret Service Director, is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack. The hearing comes amid intense criticism of her leadership and calls for her to step down.
Rep. Scalise Questions Secret Service Director's Handling of Trump Assassination Attempt
In a statement, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service Anthony Guglielmi confirmed Cheatle's attendance at the hearing. He emphasized the agency's commitment to accountability and understanding the events leading up to, during, and after the assassination attempt.
Following the shooting, Republicans and some Democrats raised questions about the agency's performance, particularly regarding how the gunman was able to get so close to the former president and fire multiple shots.
Rep. Scalise Questions Secret Service Director's Handling of Trump Assassination Attempt
In his letter to Cheatle, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer, R-Ky., accused the Secret Service of a lack of transparency in issuing the subpoena. Comer demanded answers from Cheatle about the security failures that led to the attack.
The House Homeland Security Committee has also called for a hearing and subpoenaed documents from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In the Senate, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Gary Peters, D-Mich., and ranking member Rand Paul, R-Ky., have launched an investigation.
Rep. Scalise Questions Secret Service Director's Handling of Trump Assassination Attempt
The DHS Office of Inspector General is also reviewing the Secret Service's handling of the rally.
In a preview of the pressure Cheatle may face, she was confronted by multiple Republican senators at the Republican National Convention. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., directly accused Cheatle of owing answers to the public and to Trump.
Rep. Scalise Questions Secret Service Director's Handling of Trump Assassination Attempt
Cheatle has labeled the shooting "unacceptable" and pledged to conduct a thorough review to prevent similar incidents in the future. Despite the criticism, the Secret Service has stated that she has no intention of stepping down.
"Continuity of operations is paramount during a critical incident and U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has no intentions to step down," Guglielmi said. "She deeply respects members of Congress and is fiercely committed to transparency in leading the Secret Service through the internal investigation and strengthening the agency through lessons learned in these important internal and external reviews."
The Oversight Committee hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 22, and is expected to shed light on the Secret Service's handling of the situation and the potential consequences facing the agency.
