Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation during a House Oversight Committee hearing. The session focused on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Khanna emphasized that criticism of the agency should not be seen as partisan.
Khanna challenged Cheatle by referencing former Secret Service Director Stuart Knight, who resigned after the failed assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Cheatle initially claimed Knight stayed on, but Khanna corrected her.
During the hearing, Cheatle faced bipartisan frustration for her vague responses about the security failures that led to the assassination attempt. She repeatedly deflected questions about how the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, accessed a building near the rally.
Several members of Congress, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), joined Khanna in calling for Cheatle’s resignation. When Mace asked if Cheatle wanted to use her time to draft a resignation letter, Cheatle declined.
The committee’s dissatisfaction with Cheatle’s handling of the incident highlights a significant concern over the Secret Service’s ability to protect high-profile figures.
Lawmakers from both parties believe a leadership change is necessary to restore confidence in the agency’s effectiveness and ensure the safety of current and former presidents.
