US Secret Service Chief Calls Trump Shooting "Worst Failure in Decades"... Refuses to Resign

The head of the Secret Service (SS), responsible for protecting current and former U.S. presidents, described the shooting incident involving former President Donald Trump as "the most serious operational failure in the Secret Service in decades." However, he refused to resign voluntarily.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

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Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the Secret Service, appeared as a witness at a House Oversight Committee hearing on the 22nd (local time) and acknowledged responsibility, stating, "There were clear problems and failures." Earlier, on the 13th, at a Trump rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, a shooting incident resulted in one spectator's death and injuries to three others, including former President Trump, sparking controversy over security failures.

Director Cheatle confirmed that before former President Trump took the stage, the Secret Service received 2 to 5 reports of a suspicious individual in the area. She also explained that personnel were dispatched to identify the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. She said, "If we had been informed of a threat in detail, we would never have allowed former President Trump to take the stage." When asked if there was a specific timeline related to this, she replied there was none. Additionally, she stated that she did not know how Crooks was able to access the rooftop of a building near the rally venue.

Regarding local media reports that the Trump team requested additional security personnel but were denied, Cheatle drew a line. In response to repeated questions from Republicans, she said, "The personnel requested that day were provided," adding, "There were no denied requests for the Butler rally event."

During the hearing, Cheatle also repeatedly avoided direct answers to several questions. These included why the Secret Service did not deploy agents on the rooftops of buildings near the rally venue, how many agents were assigned to protect former President Trump, and how Crooks was able to carry a firearm onto the roof. When Cheatle continued to avoid direct answers by stating, "There is no relevant information at this time," Republican Representative Andy Biggs raised his voice, saying, "You should have come prepared to answer us today. Resign."

However, Cheatle said, "I believe I am the best person to lead the Secret Service" and refused to resign voluntarily. She also emphasized that she would "make every effort" to prevent recurrence. She stated, "We will investigate how this happened and take corrective actions to ensure it never happens again."

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