US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following intense bipartisan criticism during a hearing concerning a security lapse that nearly resulted in the assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
Lawmakers questioned how a gunman managed to get a clear shot at Trump, leading to demands for accountability beyond Cheatle, including scrutiny of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“[There] needs to be an investigation into Director Cheatle, or former Director Cheatle’s role in the attempted assassination of President Trump,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said.
“There may be criminal charges coming in the future. I think she showed up to the oversight committee, refused to answer our questions, did not bring any of the information that we asked her to bring and subpoenaed.”
“She came in yesterday, participated in a full cover-up, and then resigned today. I think that speaks a message loud and clear,” Greene said.
Critics highlighted failures in staffing and security measures, noting that requests for increased protection for Trump were reportedly declined.
Evidence revealed significant discrepancies in the number of personnel assigned to protect Trump compared to Jill Biden during similar events.
Lawmakers are investigating how the Secret Service coordinated their protective measures and why suspicious activity by the gunman, Thomas Crooks, was overlooked.
Cheatle’s resignation marks the beginning of a larger accountability process, with potential criminal charges being discussed.
