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Greene suggested that the responsibility extends beyond Cheatle, hinting at Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’s role in overseeing the Secret Service. “She came in yesterday, participated in a full cover-up, and then resigned today. I think that speaks a message loud and clear,” Greene added.
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With criticism coming from both sides of the political aisle, the issue has clearly transcended partisan politics. Cheatle had previously declined to resign in an interview given just days after the incident where Trump was grazed by a bullet. The steady flow of revelations about the Secret Service’s handling of Trump’s security during his presidential campaign likely contributed to Cheatle’s eventual departure. Last week, major news outlets reported that the service had declined requests to provide more extensive protection for Trump following various death threats.
During Monday’s hearing, Cheatle attempted to deflect when challenged about the number of security requests she had denied. She told Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) that the Secret Service often relied on partnerships with local law enforcement to fill coverage gaps, particularly during election years. However, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) was quick to point out that the Secret Service had staffed Trump with personnel who were not trained agents.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) claimed to have evidence from an agency whistleblower showing that the Secret Service assigned only three “post” officers to Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, while First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to Pittsburgh on the same day was staffed with twelve officers. This disclosure emerged as part of Sen. Grassley’s investigation into internal correspondence within the Secret Service regarding staffing decisions for both Trump and Jill Biden, who were just 33 miles apart on that day.
Brutal “Pocket Weapon” Stops Hearts (discounted for next 78)
The investigation is particularly focused on how the Secret Service collaborated with local law enforcement in Butler to establish a protective perimeter for Trump’s rally. Cheatle and a Secret Service spokesman both claimed during Monday’s hearing that the area was under local authority guard, but also noted that the building from which the gunman fired was outside this guarded zone. This contradicts previous findings, raising further questions among lawmakers.
Authorities reported seeing the 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, canvassing the area before he took the shot, but he was not deemed suspicious at the time. During the rally, another local officer observed Crooks crawling with a rangefinder and reported it to headquarters. However, agents found Crooks missing when they returned. The FBI is investigating why another officer backed away from Crooks on the roof just seconds before he fired at Trump, hitting the former president’s ear before agents shot and killed him.
The controversy surrounding Cheatle’s resignation and the subsequent calls for an investigation highlight a significant breach in security protocols. As the fallout continues, the actions and decisions of the Secret Service during this period are likely to come under even greater scrutiny.
