Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) has called for the immediate resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This makes him the first Congressional Democrat to publicly demand her departure.
Boyle, who represents a suburban Philadelphia district, took to Twitter on Saturday to express his concerns and call for Cheatle’s resignation. He stated: “I am calling on Director Cheatle to resign immediately following last weekend’s shooting of a Presidential candidate in Western Pennsylvania.” The congressman went on to say that the evidence coming to light has shown unacceptable operational failures, and he has no confidence in the leadership of the United States Secret Service if Director Cheatle chooses to remain in her position.
Boyle’s statement was made shortly after reports emerged that the Secret Service had repeatedly denied requests from the former president’s security detail for additional resources and personnel, according to Breitbart News. This issue has led several Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), to also call for Cheatle’s resignation. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has gone a step further by challenging Cheatle’s judgment and ability to discharge her duties.
Despite the mounting pressure, Director Cheatle has said she is not going anywhere and is scheduled to appear at a congressional hearing on Monday to answer questions about the shooting. With the stakes being as high as they are, it remains to be seen if any further action will be taken by other members of Congress or if Cheatle will ultimately decide to step down from her position.