US Secret Service admits decades' worst failure in Trump shooting
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The news: Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle told the House oversight committee the near-assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally was its “most significant operational failure,” since the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Cheatle, facing calls for her resignation, said security for the Republican nominee had increased “well before,” the 19 July rally. While she didn’t answer all detailed questions due to ongoing inquiries, Cheatle confirmed the shooter was identified as suspicious before Trump took to the stage.
The Secret Service did not know, however, he was carrying a gun, she said, drawing a distinction between being labelled suspicious and being considered a threat. A tracing system connected to the serial number of the NR-15 style rifle at the scene was key to identifying him as 20-year old Thomas Crooks, she added.
The numbers: Cheatle declined to answer whether the shooter had fired 8 shots, saying inquiries, including a criminal investigation by the FBI, were ongoing. One spectator was killed, and Trump along with two other attendees were injured in the shooting.
In the nine days since, congressional committees have been scrutinising law enforcement's actions before, during and after the incident. President Biden has also requested an independent review.
The context: The hearing is the first congressional oversight of the assassination attempt, with FBI Director Christopher Wray scheduled to testify next. Cheatle added the agency was conducting its own internal review alongside several external inquiries to prevent such incidents in future. She said a report with the agency's findings would be tabled within 60 days.
What they said: “Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent,” Republican Representative from Ohio Mike Turner said, calling for Joe Biden to fire Cheatle. “If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable.”
The sources: Overnight House, Reuters
