(MJP) –
Kimberly Cheatle, the head of the U.S. Secret Service, stepped down on Tuesday following demands from both Democrats and Republicans for her dismissal due to the agency’s inability to safeguard former President Donald Trump from a potential attacker on July 13.
Cheatle decided to step down on Tuesday following a request from U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida to the chairman of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, Representative James Comer of Kentucky, to explore the possibility of pressing charges for perjury and contempt against Cheatle. Luna accused Cheatle of providing false information under oath and impeding a congressional inquiry.
After Luna detected what she believed to be deceitful responses from the director that contradicted information she had received from law enforcement or her colleagues, she proceeded to interrogate Cheatle with a barrage of probing questions.
When questioned about the possibility of the alleged shooter collaborating with others, Cheatle expressed her belief that he was acting independently and did not have any accomplices.
When Luna inquired about the possibility of a second shooter on a water tower based on multiple eyewitness accounts, Cheatle responded that he did not know such a situation.
Luna mentioned that the inquiry arose from reports provided by various witnesses, who stated that more than 40 sniper squads were briefed by the Butler ESU.
Afterward, she inquired whether it was accurate “that the Secret Service had attended the Butler ESU briefing.”
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Cheatle responded that there had been a meeting between the sharpshooter squads and the operatives in the field. “Did the Secret Service attend the event?” The inquiry came from Luna. “Indeed, as far as I am aware,” Cheatle responded.
After receiving a report from authorities, Luna proceeded to read it. The report mentioned individuals who appeared to be blaming her, claiming they were present at the security briefing and that the Secret Service was not there, as confirmed by knowledgeable sources. This encompasses the AGR building where the suspected shooter was situated, a location that “surprisingly fell outside their security perimeter… with no Secret Service in sight.”
She also mentioned a query posed by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, regarding the Secret Service’s knowledge of a potential danger. In your sworn testimony, you stated that you had previously affirmed that “they were not aware of any danger.”
However, as per the information shared by law enforcement in certain group conversations, it was revealed that the Secret Service had been informed about a threat at approximately 5:59 PM. This included the Secret Service being aware of messages and inquiries regarding the whereabouts of the suspects.
Once more, Luna asked Cheatle if she knew of that. Cheatle responded by pointing out that Congress members were mixing up the distinction between the terms “threat” and “suspicious.”
“However, you did possess information at 5:59 PM as indicated in those group conversations, correct?” Luna responded with a swift retort. Cheatle responded, “Someone who seemed suspicious.”
Luna accused Cheatle of lying in certain situations. I will request a thorough examination of the transcripts by the team, and if they confirm it, I urge you to press charges of perjury against the director,” he said, addressing Comer.
Hearing Cheatle’s evasive responses or reluctance to answer questions. “Expressed her frustration,” she stated. I have conversed with my coworkers, and we have directly expressed to you that you are essentially obstructing our capacity to provide the American people with the information they seek.
Not a single member of Congress feels secure with you leading. Under your guidance, the Secret Service turns us all into easy targets.
Luna expressed her dissatisfaction with Cheatle’s statement about delivering the agency’s report in 60 days, deeming it inadequate and suggesting it could lead to contempt charges against her.
She stated confidently that you are aware of the vote we initiated regarding the inherent contempt of Congress against Attorney General Merrick Garland for obstructing a congressional inquiry. I believe you should not be an exception to this.
