Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faces mounting pressure to resign following the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The call for her resignation comes from Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), who is the first congressional Democrat to join numerous Republican voices in demanding her departure.
Boyle’s decision to speak out against Cheatle’s leadership is fueled by what he calls “unacceptable operational failures” that have been revealed in the aftermath of the shooting. The incident left Trump with a wounded ear, one man dead, and two others injured. Boyle’s statement came hours after reports emerged that the Secret Service had denied requests from Trump’s security detail for additional resources and personnel.
The Secret Service has defended its actions, with spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stating that while the agency did deny some requests, it did not do so for last weekend’s rally. The agency also revealed that it had assigned almost all of the local law enforcement officers who were present at the event to work inside the secured zone, rather than outside.
Boyle’s condemnation of the shooting was swift and strong, with the congressman expressing gratitude for the work of law enforcement personnel in keeping Americans safe. He also expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured.
Boyle’s call for Cheatle’s resignation is part of a growing chorus of criticism from both sides of the aisle. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have also demanded Cheatle’s resignation, although she has vowed not to step down.
In a joint statement, Cheatle and other senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security defended the role of women in law enforcement, including the Secret Service. The statement was issued in response to comments made by some individuals questioning the presence of women in law enforcement.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has subpoenaed Cheatle and she has agreed to comply. She is scheduled to testify before the panel on Monday.
