Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has declared she will not resign amidst intense scrutiny following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. In an ABC News interview, Cheatle emphasized her commitment to her role and announced a thorough review of the incident, which left one dead and two critically injured before the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by a sniper.
Cheatle acknowledged some security lapses, noting the rapid timeline between identifying Crooks and the shooting. She stated that the local police were responsible for the outer perimeter security. Despite calls for her resignation from several lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz and former Attorney General Bill Barr, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed full confidence in Cheatle.
The FBI’s investigation is ongoing, with nearly 100 interviews conducted and Crooks’ electronic devices under analysis. So far, the FBI believes Crooks acted alone and has yet to determine his motive. President Joe Biden has ordered an independent review to complement the FBI’s probe.
The Secret Service faces increased demands for transparency. All ten Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee have requested a public hearing with Cheatle, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Mayorkas. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has summoned Cheatle to testify, and House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green announced his own inquiry.
Despite the incident, Cheatle affirmed no substantial changes would be made to security plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention, expressing confidence in their existing protocols. Meanwhile, significant donations have flowed in for the shooting’s victims, including high-profile donors like Citadel CEO Ken Griffin.
Cheatle committed to rigorous investigations to prevent future incidents, affirming her responsibility and dedication to enhancing Secret Service operations.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/15/live-updates-trump-shooting-puts-secret-service-under-a-microscope.html
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