Secret Service boss acknowledges Trump assassination attempt as ‘most significant failure’ in decades

July 22, 2024 TruthUSA

The head of the Secret Service acknowledged that the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump was the “most significant operational failure” in decades.

Ms. Cheatle informed the House of Representatives Oversight and Accountability Committee that she takes “full responsibility for any security lapse.”

The shooting incident at an outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in Trump sustaining an injury to his right ear, the death of one audience member, and injuries to another on July 13.

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Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old nursing home aide suspected in the shooting, was fatally shot by law enforcement.

Lawmakers are upset that the suspect managed to get close to Trump on the rooftop of a nearby building, blaming security shortcomings in the Secret Service.

Members of the public had identified a suspect to law enforcement before the shooting occurred.

“We failed. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse,” stated Ms. Cheatle during her testimony before the committee.

“The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.”

Despite Republican accusations that the agency neglected to provide resources to protect Trump, she mentioned that security for the ex-president had been enhanced prior to the shooting.

“The security level for the ex-president had been increased well before the campaign and has continued to rise as threats evolve,” she added.

“Our work is not political but a matter of life and death.”

The House Judiciary Committee claims to possess evidence suggesting that the agency was understaffed for Trump’s rally due to staffing shortages caused by another event in the state and a NATO summit in Washington days earlier.

However, Ms. Cheatle has refused to step down despite calls for her resignation.

“Continuity of operations is crucial during a critical incident, and US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has no plans to resign,” stated spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

“She holds deep respect for members of Congress and is dedicated to leading the Secret Service with transparency during the internal investigation and strengthening the agency through the insights gained from these vital internal and external reviews.”

This developing news story is being updated, and more details will be released shortly.

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