The Chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, James Comer, has issued a subpoena to Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, for testimony regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The hearing, titled “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump,” is scheduled for July 22, where Cheatle was expected to appear. However, Comer expressed concerns that officials from the Department of Homeland Security had intervened, casting doubt on Cheatle’s attendance.
Comer, in a letter on Wednesday, criticized the lack of transparency and cooperation from DHS and the Secret Service, compelling Cheatle’s appearance before the Oversight Committee through the subpoena.
The subpoena comes amid ongoing criticism of Cheatle’s handling of the shooting incident at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president was targeted. One attendee was fatally shot, and two others were critically injured, with the gunman being killed by Secret Service agents.
In response to the incident, Cheatle committed to participating in an independent review ordered by President Joe Biden and cooperating with Congress on oversight actions, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to protecting democratic leaders.
Following the shooting, concerns were raised about security lapses, with Comer questioning the protection provided to Trump during the event and highlighting the need for further investigation.
The ongoing scrutiny has prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson to establish a task force to examine security failures and has called for Cheatle’s resignation. Despite the pressure, Cheatle has expressed her commitment to her role as the Secret Service Director, taking responsibility for the incident while emphasizing the agency’s responsibility for protecting the former president.