During a House Oversight Committee hearing on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Khanna stressed that the issue transcends party lines, arguing that the agency’s failure warrants her stepping down.
Khanna questioned Cheatle about historical precedents, pointing out that former Secret Service Director Stuart Knight resigned after the failed assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, correcting Cheatle’s initial incorrect statement.
Cheatle’s testimony was met with frustration from both Republicans and Democrats. She repeatedly cited the ongoing FBI investigation to avoid providing specific answers about the security breaches that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to come dangerously close to Trump.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) echoed Khanna’s sentiments, suggesting Cheatle use her time to draft a resignation letter, which Cheatle refused. The bipartisan criticism indicates a significant lack of confidence in Cheatle’s leadership.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the Secret Service’s ability to safeguard high-profile individuals, highlighting the need for accountability and improved security measures.
The call for Cheatle’s resignation underscores the urgent demand for changes within the Secret Service to prevent similar incidents in the future.
