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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a dramatic turn of events, Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service, tendered her resignation on Tuesday in the wake of a shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred during an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania, has sparked a fierce backlash and raised serious questions about the agency’s effectiveness in safeguarding current and former presidents.
The security lapse became evident on July 13, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where Trump was speaking and opened fire. This breach occurred despite heightened security measures due to a prior threat against Trump from Iran. Cheatle disclosed that the Secret Service had been warned about a suspicious individual two to five times before the rally but failed to adequately address the threat.
Even more troubling, Cheatle admitted that the roof from which Crooks fired had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. Yet, the agency did not deploy agents to secure the area, a critical oversight that led to the tragic outcome, as was reported by the AP. Crooks was ultimately neutralized by Secret Service snipers, but not before he injured Trump and killed one rallygoer, with two others critically wounded.
In her resignation email to the staff, Cheatle stated, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director,” according to the information provided in the AP report. Cheatle, who had been at the helm of the agency since August 2022, had been under increasing pressure to resign amid multiple investigations into the incident.
Cheatle’s resignation came just a day after she faced a grueling session before a congressional committee. Lawmakers from both parties expressed their frustration and anger over the security failures. The AP report indicated that Cheatle’s testimony, where she labeled the attempt on Trump’s life as the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades, did little to quell the outrage. Her inability to provide detailed answers about the ongoing investigation only intensified the scrutiny.
Despite taking responsibility for the security failures, she maintained that she was the “right person” to lead the agency. The report in the AP said that this assertion was met with skepticism, particularly from Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who suggested Cheatle begin drafting her resignation letter on the spot. Cheatle’s curt response, “No, thank you,” underscored the tension in the room.
Even more troubling, Cheatle admitted that the roof from which Crooks fired had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. Yet, the agency did not deploy agents to secure the area, a critical oversight that led to the tragic outcome. Crooks was ultimately neutralized by Secret Service snipers, but not before he injured Trump and killed one rallygoer, with two others critically wounded.
Cheatle’s departure does not mark the end of the investigations. On the contrary, it has likely intensified them. Noted in the AP report was that lawmakers have pledged comprehensive probes, and an inspector general investigation is already underway. Additionally, President Biden has called for an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the events of July 13, ensuring that the Secret Service remains under the microscope.
The Secret Service, established in 1865 primarily to combat counterfeit currency, was later tasked with protecting the president in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley. Over the years, the agency’s responsibilities have expanded to include protecting the vice president, the president-elect, and their immediate families, among others, as was explained in the AP report. Despite its long history and evolution, the agency has faced numerous challenges and criticisms regarding its ability to adapt to modern security threats.
Cheatle’s tenure, though brief, was marked by efforts to modernize the agency and address internal issues. However, the July 13 incident underscored persistent vulnerabilities.
In a solemn acknowledgment of Kimberly Cheatle’s service, President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude for her dedication following her resignation as the director of the Secret Service. “We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our administration, and we are grateful for her service to our family,” Biden stated, according to the AP report.
Trump, who suffered a pierced ear from the shooting, was swiftly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents. The report added that in the aftermath, he took to his social media network to voice his frustration, stating: “The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!”
Following the assassination attempt, which occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump initially commended his Secret Service detail for their swift response. His gratitude was evident in a social media post shortly after the incident, where he thanked the agents for their dedication and quick action.
However, the former president’s tone has since shifted dramatically. His latest comments reflect a deepening dissatisfaction with the broader protective measures provided under the Biden administration, according to a report on Tuesday in The New York Times.
Trump’s team has had ongoing issues with the Secret Service, largely revolving around requests for additional resources that were not granted. According to a campaign official, over the past two years, several requests for items such as additional metal detectors and specially trained dogs were denied, as was reported in the NYT. These denials have exacerbated frustrations and led to a sense of vulnerability among Trump’s security detail.
Despite these tensions, Trump has maintained confidence in his immediate Secret Service team, acknowledging their efforts and dedication. This dichotomy highlights the complex relationship between Trump’s campaign and the protective agency tasked with ensuring his safety.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has welcomed the resignation of Cheatle following the near-fatal assassination attempt on Trump. Newsmax reported on Tuesday that Comer’s endorsement of Cheatle’s departure calls attention to the severity of the security failures that occurred under her leadership.
“The Secret Service has a no-fail mission, yet it failed historically on Director Cheatle’s watch,” Comer stated, according to the Newsmax report.
Comer emphasized the multiple security failures leading up to the shooting. “While Director Cheatle’s resignation is a step toward accountability, we need a full review of how these security failures happened so that we can prevent them going forward,” he said, as per the Newsmax report.
Rep. Comer’s commitment to a thorough review indicates that the House Oversight Committee will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Secret Service. This process will likely involve examining the training, preparedness, and response strategies of the agency, as well as its coordination with local law enforcement.
In somewhat related news, President Joe Biden has announced that he will deliver a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET to explain his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. This significant announcement comes after a period of speculation and marks a pivotal moment in American politics.
President Biden took to social media, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, to inform the public about his upcoming address. “I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people,” Biden wrote, according to an NBCNews report. This address is expected to provide a detailed explanation for his withdrawal and outline his plans for the remainder of his term.
The decision to exit the race was formalized in a letter issued by Biden on Sunday, where he announced that he would not accept the Democratic nomination. He simultaneously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. NBC News also reported that the letter, which was posted on X, highlighted Biden’s reasoning: “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my ties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden’s announcement was delayed due to his recent diagnosis with COVID-19, and his self-imposed isolation at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This diagnosis and subsequent isolation period prevented him from immediately addressing the public regarding his decision. However, his letter reassured the nation of his commitment to completing his term and addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
President Biden, along with his close aides, began crafting the speech on Monday. According to sources familiar with the matter, they have been diligently working on the address while Biden was in Rehoboth Beach. NBC News reported that the president’s return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon marks the end of his isolation period and sets the stage for his prime-time address.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has profound implications for the Democratic Party and the upcoming election. According to the NBC News report, it signals a major shift in the party’s strategy and leadership dynamics. Harris, who has been a prominent figure in the administration, now steps into the spotlight as the potential Democratic nominee.
Many critics have suggested that Biden was forced out of the presidential race by his own party after intense meetings with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi among dozens of other influential Democrats. Moreover, Biden’s big money donors said they would withhold campaign contributions.
Since the June 27th televised debate between himself and former President Donald Trump, Biden has felt pressure from all sides to exit the race due not only to his incoherent and disastrous performance but also due to what many believe are serious health issues that would render him incapable of serving as the nation’s top executive for the next four years.
The 81 year old Biden displayed what some believe are signs of a significant decline in mental acuity as well as a marked physical deterioration. Reports suggest that initially he strenuously resisted calls from his party to leave the race and some say that his colleagues said that if he ran for a second term, the 25th amendment would have to be implemented to have him removed.
Thus far, Harris has raised $100 million in campaign donations and has 1,975 delegates as the Democratic Convention approaches in August.
As Harris gears up for the 2024 presidential campaign, her team has initiated the vetting process for potential vice-presidential candidates. According to a source familiar with the process, the Harris campaign has requested vetting materials from seven prominent Democrats, signaling the early stages of forming a complete ticket, as was reported by USA TODAY on Tuesday.
The individuals currently being vetted for the vice-presidential role are a mix of governors and senators. The list includes North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper who is known for his centrist policies and ability to win in a traditionally Republican state.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has earned her national recognition.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro who was recently elected has quickly become a rising star in the party, with his background as a former state attorney general adding to his appeal.
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz is a former astronaut and husband to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Kelly’s background and moderate stance could appeal to swing state voters.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is a former teacher and member of Congress, Walz brings a diverse perspective and leadership style.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is known for his progressive policies and significant financial backing. As such, Pritzker could energize the Democratic base.
Cedric Richmond is a former congressman from Louisiana and a top aide in the Biden administration. Richmond’s inclusion highlights his behind-the-scenes influence and political acumen.
Interestingly, the list does not include Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, both of whom have been speculated as potential running mates, USA Today reported. Beshear, in particular, has been in contact with Harris since Biden announced he would not seek re-election, though he has not been formally included in the vetting process. Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate, remains a high-profile figure within the party but is currently not under consideration.
According to a Reuters report on Tuesday, Harris opened up a marginal two-percentage-point lead over Trump after Biden ended his re-election campaign and passed the torch to her. These were the results of a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
That compares with a marginal two-point deficit Biden faced against Trump in last week’s poll before his Sunday exit from the race.
The new poll, conducted on Monday and Tuesday, followed both the Republican National Convention where Trump on Thursday formally accepted the nomination and Biden’s announcement on Sunday he was leaving the race and endorsing Harris, according to the Reuters report.
