WASHINGTON (AP) — When Kimberly Cheatle led the Secret Service’s operations to safeguard the American president and other dignitaries, she emphasized the “awesome responsibility” of their job to agents in training.
“This agency and the Secret Service has a zero fail mission,” Cheatle, who is now director of the agency, mentioned in a 2021 Secret Service podcast called “Standing Post.” “They have to come in every day prepared and ready with their game face on.”
However, the Secret Service and its director are now facing intense scrutiny over that “zero fail” mission after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania that wounded his ear.
Lawmakers and others are questioning how a gunman could get so close to the Republican presidential nominee when he was supposed to be heavily guarded.
Despite the criticism, Cheatle, who will appear before lawmakers on Monday after investigations were launched, stated that the shooting was “unacceptable.” She acknowledged that the primary responsibility lies with the Secret Service to protect the former president.
“The buck stops with me,” Cheatle explained. “I am the director of the Secret Service.” She also affirmed that she has no plans to resign and has the support of the administration.
Appointed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, Cheatle has worked to address past scandals at the agency and improve diversity in hiring, particularly in the male-dominated service. Coming back to lead the Secret Service after 27 years of service, Cheatle faces the challenge of investigating the failure in protecting presidents and ensuring continued support for her leadership.
She will also have to address ongoing investigations into the events leading up to the assassination attempt, including the security measures taken and the steps that were missed.
The Congress and the Homeland Security Department have initiated several investigations, and discussions are ongoing about Cheatle’s role in the organization. The future of her leadership remains uncertain as demands for her resignation grow.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has subpoenaed Cheatle to appear on Monday, where she will face questions about the events surrounding the shooting. The pressure on her and the Secret Service agents involved remains high as the investigation continues.
Despite the challenges, supporters of Cheatle and the female Secret Service agents have defended their actions, emphasizing the need to avoid gender bias in assessing their performance and qualifications.
As the Secret Service navigates through this crisis, Cheatle’s leadership will be tested in handling the aftermath of the assassination attempt and implementing necessary reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
