'What Are You Covering Up?': US Secret Service Chief Draws Fire At Congressional Hearing

Washington: Coming under severe criticism, Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the United States Secret Service, was slammed at a Congressional hearing on Monday regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.

During the hearing, Cheatle faced inquiries about the gunman's access to the warehouse roof from where shots were fired, how the firearm was brought into the event, and why Donald Trump was permitted on stage despite alerts about a suspicious individual. However, she opted not to respond to these and several other questions, citing the ongoing investigation.

‘What are you hiding, my friend?’

Rep Lisa McClain of Michigan bombarded the Secret Service Director with such a question, however, she refused to answer several questions.

Cheatle faced persistent questioning regarding security lapses that resulted in the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. She referred to the incident as the "most significant operational failure" of her agency in decades, which led to the injury. However, she declined to answer these and many other questions, citing the ongoing investigation. 

Calls For Resignation of Secret Service Director

"Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent," said Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio added that "If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable."

This refusal to provide specific details angered members of both parties, leading to calls for her resignation.

"I'm not covering anything up," Cheatle responded. Despite the criticism, Cheatle remained firm in her decision to stay on as director. 

What Happened on July 13 

The gunfire incident, which comes months before the 2024 US presidential elections, disrupted Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. 

Trump was immediately escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents and taken away in a motorcade. In the videos that went viral on social media, Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear.Trump was taken away in a motorcade. He held up a fist as he sat in the SUV. 

The US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now dead. According to the statement, one spectator was killed and another was critically injured and the incident is being investigated.