The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has brought to light serious shortcomings within the U.S. Secret Service under the leadership of Director Kimberly Cheatle. This incident has revealed critical failures in security planning and execution, raising urgent questions about her capability to lead the agency effectively.
Security Failures at the Trump Rally
On July 13, 2024, a gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to climb a building less than 200 yards from the rally stage and opened fire, injuring Trump, killing one attendee, and critically wounding two others. Despite the presence of Secret Service agents and local law enforcement, Crooks exploited security gaps that should have been addressed in the event’s planning stages.
One of the most criticized aspects of the incident was the decision not to place snipers on the roof from which Crooks fired. Director Cheatle explained that the roof’s slope posed a safety risk, a justification that has been widely dismissed by security experts. Former SWAT commander Gene Petrino and other security professionals have pointed out that alternative high vantage points, such as nearby water towers, were available but not utilized.
If the pitch of the roof of the AGR building presented a safety hazard, then why were the counter-snipers placed on an even more steeply pitched roof?
Secret Service Director: “the roof slope was unsafe”
The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has brought to light serious shortcomings within the U.S. Secret Service under the leadership of Director Kimberly Cheatle. This incident has revealed critical failures in security planning and execution, raising urgent questions about her capability to lead the agency effectively.
Security Failures at the Trump Rally
On July 13, 2024, a gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to climb a building less than 200 yards from the rally stage and opened fire, injuring Trump, killing one attendee, and critically wounding two others. Despite the presence of Secret Service agents and local law enforcement, Crooks exploited security gaps that should have been addressed in the event’s planning stages.
One of the most criticized aspects of the incident was the decision not to place snipers on the roof from which Crooks fired. Director Cheatle explained that the roof’s slope posed a safety risk, a justification that has been widely dismissed by security experts. Former SWAT commander Gene Petrino and other security professionals have pointed out that alternative high vantage points, such as nearby water towers, were available but not utilized.
If the pitch of the roof of the AGR building presented a safety hazard, then why were the counter-snipers placed on an even more steeply pitched roof?
Secret Service Director: “the roof slope was unsafe”
Kimberly Cheatle, who President Joe Biden appointed in September 2022, has been at the helm of the Secret Service during a period marked by numerous challenges and controversies. Her last job before being responsible for safeguarding the lives of some of the world’s most powerful people was as head of global security at PepsiCo.
Before this incident, the agency was already under scrutiny for issues related to training, recruitment, and an overemphasis on diversity at the expense of operational effectiveness. Internal petitions from Secret Service agents have highlighted concerns about leadership and the lowering of standards.
I hate to pick on this Secret Service Agent, but she seems entirely unable to holster her weapon. I’m just glad she didn’t end up kneecapping on of her fellow agents.
SOFREP has obtained the following document, dated May 30th of this year, regarding “potential vulnerabilities within the US Secret Service preventing it from fulfilling its mission.” Clearly, there were serious issues prior to the attempt on President Trump’s life.
Cheatle’s response to the assassination attempt has further eroded confidence in her leadership. Her attempts to deflect blame onto local law enforcement and her continued insistence that the Secret Service handled the situation appropriately have not been well-received. In her public statements, Cheatle has acknowledged the failures but has refused to step down, maintaining that “the buck stops with me.”
She is clearly talking out of both sides of her mouth, fully realizing that members of the Biden administration are not removed from their positions no matter how badly they screw up.
Bipartisan Calls for Resignation
Calls for Cheatle’s resignation have come from both sides of the political aisle. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been particularly vocal, announcing plans to form a bipartisan congressional task force to investigate the security failures. He emphasized the need for accountability and rapid answers to restore public trust in the Secret Service’s ability to protect its charges.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino has also called for Cheatle’s resignation, citing her prioritization of politics over presidential protection. Social media and public opinion have largely echoed these sentiments, with many questioning how such a glaring security lapse could occur during a high-profile event.
Conclusion
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has exposed significant deficiencies in the Secret Service’s operational capabilities under Kimberly Cheatle’s leadership. Her inability to effectively manage and anticipate security risks has compromised the safety of individuals under the agency’s protection. For the Secret Service to regain its credibility and ensure the safety of those it is sworn to protect, it is imperative that Director Cheatle steps down from her position.
By addressing these leadership issues and implementing necessary reforms, the Secret Service can work towards restoring the American people’s trust in its ability to provide comprehensive protection for the nation’s leaders.
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