(NewsNation) — The U.S. Secret Service issued a statement ahead of Director Kimberly Cheatle’s congressional testimony Monday, saying the agency is “fully accountable for the safety of its protectees.”
Cheatle is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump suffered a graze wound to his ear. One spectator was killed and at least two others suffered “critical” injuries.
“We are committed to better understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt of former President Trump to ensure it never happens again,” Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Gugliemi said in an official statement Friday. “That includes complete cooperation with Congress, the FBI, and other relevant investigations.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., is leading a bill to defund Cheatle’s salary, while others including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., call on the Secret Service director to step down from her position.
Cheatle told ABC News Monday she would not resign.
Cheatle is the 27th Director of the U.S. Secret Service and was sworn in to office on Sept. 17, 2022 during President Joe Biden’s administration. The second woman to lead the Secret Service, Cheatle spent nearly three decades in the Secret Service in various roles before her appointment.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Secret Service has asked local law enforcement to assist with an upcoming Trump rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Saturday event was originally scheduled to take place outside, but has since been moved indoors.