Presidential election 2024 LIVE — Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is hammered by lawmakers over Trump shooting
THE Secret Service's embattled chief has admitted the agency failed former President Donald Trump during an assassination attempt earlier this month.
Kimberly A. Cheatle appeared on Capitol Hill on Monday morning as she faces mounting calls to step down over the shooting.
The director was repeatedly lambasted by lawmakers for failing to answer specific questions regarding details of the Secret Service's preparation and response to the shocking shooting.
At one point, Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina began to swear at Cheatle, accusing the director of lying to the committee.
“You’re full of s**t today. You’re just being completely dishonest,” Mace said.
Cheatle told the House oversight committee that she takes "full responsibility" for the security lapses at the Trump rally on July 13 that allowed would-be assassin Thomas Crooks to open fire on the GOP nominee, grazing his ear and killing an attendee.
“The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders,” she said. “On July 13, we failed.”
The several hour-long hearing left many questions still unanswered including:
- Did Secret Service use drones before the rally?
- How did the shooter get the gun on the nearby roof?
- Why wasn't the shooter stopped when he was first spotted by rally-goers?
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What went down at the Pennsylvania Rally?
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at during his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:10pm: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, later identified as the shooter, was first identified as a person of interest.
5:30pm: Crooks was spotted with a rangefinder.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
5:52pm: Crooks was spotted on the roof by Secret Service.
6:02pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:09pm: Two sniper teams posted on buildings to the north and south behind the rally stage repositioned and were locked on Crooks.
6:12pm: Gunshots were fired toward the stage as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Secret Service returns fire, confirming the shooter is dead.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
Calls to step down
As Cheatle entered the hearing room, she was asked by reporters if she planned to resign.
She did not respond.
Secret Service congressional hearing begins
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle arrived on Capitol Hill Monday morning to testify before the House Oversight Committee.
The hearing began just after 10am.
Cheatle is facing calls to resign from members of the committee.