Republican Representative James Comer calls for transparency from Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle in the investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
The American people are still grappling with the alarming attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, over a week ago. As a former Secret Service agent with extensive experience in protective operations, I find myself deeply concerned by the lack of clarity surrounding the security failures that allowed this incident to occur. As such, I pose three crucial questions that demand immediate answers:
The absence of clear communication and assignment of responsibility for securing the building from which the shooter fired at President Trump and attendees is a glaring oversight. The Secret Service utilizes a standardized protocol known as the "7 Phases of Site Advance" to define roles and responsibilities during protective operations. However, it remains unclear how information and assignments regarding the Butler Township Police Department's duties were disseminated.
Secret Service Chief Should Be Transparent with Americans: Rep. Comer
The Secret Service's dual mission of investigation and protection requires close coordination with local law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the distinction between proactive security measures, such as monitoring rooftops, and reactive policing can lead to miscommunication and gaps in coverage. This disconnect may have contributed to the failure to prevent the shooter from accessing the building's rooftop.
Based on available information, it cannot be assumed that the Secret Service or Butler Township police possessed specific knowledge of the shooter's intentions before President Trump took the stage. However, the shooter's online gaming activity suggested he had plans for July 13th. It is essential to determine how local authorities processed this information and whether it was relayed to Butler Township and the Secret Service.
Secret Service Chief Should Be Transparent with Americans: Rep. Comer
Reports indicate that the shooter's parents had notified authorities of his disappearance and potential threat to former President Trump. This "leakage" of information raises questions about the subsequent communications chain and whether it reached the appropriate individuals.
As the highest-ranking official of the Secret Service, Director Kimberly Cheatle has a responsibility to address the American people and provide transparency regarding this incident. Her unwillingness to speak publicly has bred suspicion and undermined trust in the agency.
Secret Service Chief Should Be Transparent with Americans: Rep. Comer
The men and women of the Secret Service deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed. The agency has consistently faced manpower shortages due to inadequate funding. This strain on resources may have contributed to the security lapses in Butler.
It is crucial that Director Cheatle provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the assassination attempt, including who knew what and when. Only through transparency can we restore confidence in the Secret Service and ensure that such an incident never happens again.
Secret Service Chief Should Be Transparent with Americans: Rep. Comer
