U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense scrutiny and calls for her resignation during a congressional hearing on July 22, 2024, following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where Trump was wounded by a would-be assassin, identified as Matthew Thomas Crooks, who also caused one death. Cheatle admitted that the event marked 'the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades' and took full responsibility for the security lapses. Despite acknowledging the failure, Cheatle refused to resign, which further angered lawmakers from both major political parties. The hearing, led by the House Oversight Committee, highlighted the agency's shortcomings and the need for improved security measures to protect national leaders.
