>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
“Would you say the fact that we had to issue a subpoena to get you to show up today is being transparent? Yes or no?” Mace asked. Cheatle responded, “I have always been eager to come and talk to the committee.”
Mace retorted, “Yes or no. You didn’t want to answer the question. We had to issue a subpoena to get you to show up today. That is not transparent, by the way. You stated earlier, Secret Service is not political. Is that correct?” Cheatle replied, “Yes.”
Mace continued, “Okay. Would you say leaking your opening statement to Punchbowl News, Politico’s Playbook, and Washington Post several hours before you sent it to this committee is being political, yes or no?” Cheatle claimed, “I have no idea how my statement got out.”
“Well, that’s bullsh*t,” Mace shot back.
The confrontation escalated as Mace demanded to know whether the Secret Service had complied with the committee’s requests for information about the assassination attempt on Trump. Cheatle’s repeated responses of “I’ll have to get back to you on that” drew sharp criticism.
“Is the Secret Service fully cooperating with our committee?” Mace inquired. Cheatle replied, “Yes.”
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
Mace pressed further, “Okay. You say you’re fully cooperating with this committee. On July 15th, this committee sent you a list of demands for information that we wanted. Has the Secret Service provided this committee with a complete list of all law enforcement personnel that were there that day? Have you provided a list to the Oversight Committee? Yes or no?” Cheatle again responded, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
“That is a no. Have you provided all audio and video recordings in your possession to this committee, as we asked on July 15th? Yes or no?” Mace continued. Cheatle’s response was the same, “I would have to get back to you on that.”
“That is a no. You’re full of sh*t today. You’re just being completely dishonest,” Mace declared.
Mace also questioned Cheatle on whether the attempted assassination was a result of a failure in training or execution. Cheatle’s vague responses did little to satisfy Mace, who demanded specifics. When asked how many Secret Service personnel had lost their jobs due to the failure, Cheatle admitted none had.
Mace was relentless, asking, “How many Secret Service personnel have been required to take a refresher course on how not to let people shoot Donald Trump?” Cheatle responded, “Our personnel are currently operational. We are examining the facts of this investigation, and we will make the changes necessary.”
The explosive exchange concluded with Mace demanding to know how long it took law enforcement to respond after becoming aware of a potential threat to President Trump. Cheatle’s lack of specific answers only fueled Mace’s frustration.
“What time did law enforcement become aware that there was an individual on the roof with a clear line of sight to President Trump?” Mace asked. Cheatle responded, “I am still verifying timelines.”
“Of course. Nine days in, you have no answers. How many minutes went by between the time law enforcement saw and took photos of crooks in the shooting? How many minutes?” Mace pressed. Cheatle again said, “I am still verifying timelines.”
“Fifty-seven minutes!” Mace exclaimed, highlighting the extensive delay.
WATCH:
The hearing underscored significant concerns about the Secret Service’s handling of the incident and raised questions about the agency’s transparency and accountability under Cheatle’s leadership.
