Secret Service Director Testifies on Trump Assassination Attempt

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced significant backlash during a House Oversight Committee hearing regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13. Cheatle acknowledged the incident as her agency's 'most significant operational failure' but provided limited information, prompting frustration among lawmakers from both parties. The attack, executed by 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, resulted in minor injuries to Trump and the death of one spectator, raising serious questions about the agency's security measures. Cheatle's evasive responses, particularly regarding the number of agents present at the rally, led to calls for her resignation from several representatives, including Democrats and Republicans. Critics highlighted her defense of the agency's performance as inadequate, given the circumstances of the attack. The ongoing investigation into the incident further complicated the hearing, as Cheatle cited it as a reason for her limited disclosures.