Secret Service Director Urged To Step Down After Trump Was Denied Additional Security Before Assassination Attempt
A house Democrat is the first to speak out regarding "operational failures" on behalf of the U.S. Secret Service, resulting in calls for the director to resign.
Pennsylvania congressman Brendan Boyle has called for U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to step down as these lapses in security may have contributed to the failed-assassination attempt of Donald Trump.
'The Guardian' reported that Trump's requests for additional security were denied by the presidential protection agency for two years. Boyle maintains that he has "no confidence" in the leadership of the Service.
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Director Cheatle must resign immediately.
— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) July 21, 2024
My statement calling for the resignation of United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle: pic.twitter.com/q0ONU8PlAF
"I am calling on Director Cheatle to resign immediately following last weekend's shooting of a presidential candidate in western Pennsylvania," Boyle penned in a post on X — which he captioned, "Director Cheatle must resign immediately."
"The evidence coming to light has shown unacceptable operational failures. I have no confidence in the leadership of the United States Secret Service if Director Cheatle chooses to remain in her position," he concluded in the statement.
Senior Republicans also called for new leadership, including House speaker, Mike Johnson, and Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell.
"The nation deserves answers and accountability. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction," 82-year-old McConnell stated, per 'The Guardian.'
"People just don't understand why basic tasks were not taken. Director Cheatle said people were not on that roof because of the slant, and she was worried about the health and safety of her agents. That makes no sense to us. She has a lot to answer for," Johnson concluded in response to Cheatle prioritizing diversity and recruiting initiatives in the agency.
By the time the deranged gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot dead, the Republican nominee had nearly suffered a headshot — which missed by a fraction, and pierced his ear. Two others were wounded and one spectator was killed.
