Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) labeled Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's testimony "bulls---" during a contentious hearing on the Trump assassination attempt, citing concerns about leaked statements and unanswered questions.
Washington, D.C. - United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense grilling from lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday, July 22, 2024, over the agency's security lapse that enabled an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Cheatle testified before the House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who subpoenaed her appearance. The hearing was held just over a week after a would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks, attempted to take the life of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa. on July 13.
Secret Service Director Accused of Dishonesty in Trump Assassination Attempt Hearing
Cheatle admitted under oath that the Secret Service "on July 13th, we failed" in its handling of the assassination attempt and the ensuing shooting at the rally. She said, "As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency."
Cheatle vowed to investigate the failure and prevent a recurrence. "We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again," she stated.
Secret Service Director Accused of Dishonesty in Trump Assassination Attempt Hearing
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the committee called for Cheatle's resignation, accusing her of mishandling the situation.
"If you have an assassination attempt on a president or a former president or a candidate, you need to resign," said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
Secret Service Director Accused of Dishonesty in Trump Assassination Attempt Hearing
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced his intention to introduce articles of impeachment against Cheatle, alleging unacceptable handling of the assassination attempt and refusal to resign.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) accused Cheatle of perjuring herself and stonewalling the committee, calling her protectecs "sitting ducks" under her leadership.
Secret Service Director Accused of Dishonesty in Trump Assassination Attempt Hearing
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) raised concerns about Cheatle's leaked opening statement to media outlets hours before its distribution to the committee.
"Would you say leaking your opening statement to Punchbowl News, Politico's Playbook and Washington Post several hours before you sent it to this committee as being political? Yes or no?" Mace asked.
Secret Service Director Accused of Dishonesty in Trump Assassination Attempt Hearing
Cheatle responded, "I have no idea how my statement got out."
"Well that's bulls---," Mace retorted.
Mace then questioned Cheatle about providing requested audio and video recordings, receiving an evasive response. "That is a no. You're full of s-- today. You're just being completely dishonest," Mace stated, leading to calls for decorum within the hearing room.
Cheatle was unable to answer questions about the number of extra security requests made by Trump's team that were denied. "What I can tell you is that in generic terms, when people when details make a request, there are times that there are alternate ways to cover off on that threat or that report," she said.
Cheatle testified that she called Trump after the shooting to apologize. She attempted to explain that the Secret Service was unaware of any specific threat despite public reports of a man on a roof before the incident.
Trump confirmed this contact in an interview on "Jesse Watters Primetime," saying, "Somebody should have made sure there was nobody on that roof."
The hearing underscored the ongoing scrutiny facing the Secret Service and raised concerns about the agency's ability to protect high-profile figures.
