WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle says she personally apologized to former President Donald Trump after the attempt on his life.
“On July 13th we failed,” Cheatle said.
Cheatle told lawmakers on Monday she takes full responsibility for the security lapse that led to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
“We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again,” she said.
However, when pressed by lawmakers to determine how, members were furious.
“Can you answer why the Secret Service didn’t place a single agent on the roof?” Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) asked.
“We are still looking into the advance process and the decisions that were made,” Cheatle said as some lawmakers jeered at her reply.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) questioned why the former president was allowed to take the stage when Secret Service was warned of a suspicious person.
“So, you distinguish between someone who is suspicious and someone who’s threatening. Is that right?” Raskin asked.
“There are a number of times at protective events where suspicious people are identified, and those individuals have to be investigated and determined what is it that identifies that person as suspicious,” Cheatle replied.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) became enraged the Secret Service denied some requests from the Trump campaign.
“And you cut corners when it came to protecting one of the most important individuals, most well-known individuals on the planet,” Jordan said.
The director says the July 13th rally had sufficient resources. But lawmakers, furious with Cheatle, are calling for her resignation.
“Not only should you resign, if you refuse to do so, President Biden needs to fire you,” Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said.
“Well, look, I believe, Director Cheatle, that you should resign,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said.
Cheatle said she will not resign and will have a more detailed report after 60 days.