Secret Service Scrambles to Explain Trump Assassination Attempt

The U.S. Secret Service postponed a meeting with Congress to discuss the near-fatal shooting attempt on former President Donald Trump. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle aims to increase protection for Trump, who will receive the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential race. An independent review has been ordered by President Biden.

The U.S. Secret Service postponed a meeting on Monday where it was set to address Congress's questions about why agents failed to prevent an almost-fatal shooting incident involving Donald Trump. The agency has heightened protection for the former president. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle had been scheduled to brief Republican members of the House Homeland Security Committee in a virtual meeting, but the session was rescheduled, according to a committee aide. The committee expects Secret Service to provide an alternative briefing date shortly.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green and the panel's top Democrat, Bennie Thompson, were scheduled to talk to a senior FBI official on Monday afternoon. The Secret Service was also set to brief the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday, with Cheatle expected to appear for a full-scale hearing on July 22.

The assassination attempt has raised significant concerns in Congress about the alleged shooter's access to a nearby rooftop with a clear view of Trump. Trump is to receive his party’s official 2024 presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, starting Monday. On Sunday, Biden ordered an independent review, and Republican lawmakers promised swift investigations.

In a substantial statement since the shooting, which killed a rally attendee, Cheatle mentioned on Monday that the agency was stepping up security for Trump and the Republican convention. “I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have created, which we have reviewed and strengthened following Saturday’s shooting,” Cheatle said.

Trump reported that a bullet grazed his ear during Saturday’s rally but confirmed he is fine. He traveled to Milwaukee on Sunday. Green spoke with Cheatle by phone on Sunday, inquiring about the Secret Service's shortcomings at the rally and requesting official documents including emails, text messages, and security plans for the event venue.

Cheatle committed to providing the requested documents to the Committee promptly, as feasible, the committee aide mentioned.