What did the Secret Service director say about the attack on Trump in Pennsylvania?

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped into the spotlight. On Monday, Cheatle faced the media, declaring, “The buck stops with me.” Cheatle, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, emphasised the Secret Service’s paramount duty.

“The Secret Service is responsible for the protection of the former president,” she said. “The buck stops with me, I am the director of the Secret Service,” she continued, making it clear that she plans to remain in her position to oversee the necessary changes and improvements.

Trump shooting “never should have happened”

The director didn’t mince words about the severity of the incident.

“The shooting was unacceptable,” she stated. “This is an event that never should have happened.”

In her first public comments since the assassination attempt, Cheatle revealed that the Secret Service will “participate fully” in an independent review ordered by President Joe Biden. The agency is also set to collaborate with Congress on any oversight actions, ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation process. She also stated that enhancements have been made to Trump’s security detail to prevent any future threats.

“The Secret Service is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of protecting the current and former leaders of our democracy. It is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously, and I am committed to fulfilling that mission.”

What is the role of the U.S. Secret Service?

The United States Secret Service is primarily responsible for safeguarding the nation’s president, vice president, and other key individuals, including all former presidents for life. The threat remains for some forever.

Notably, this includes Trump, whose unique situation as both a former president and a current presidential candidate necessitates special attention. On a typical day, Trump is accompanied by a motorcade exceeding a dozen vehicles. This convoy includes the primary transport vehicle, a backup vehicle, tactical units, local law enforcement, supervisory personnel, protective intelligence, and additional agents. During rallies, sometimes attended by tens of thousands, security measures are further intensified with an increase in agent presence. The latest situation highlights the challenges involved.

Given the critical nature of their mission, Secret Service agents undergo rigorous training to manage a broad spectrum of scenarios, from routine security protocols to urgent threats against their protectees. In extreme cases, agents are authorised and obligated to use lethal force, meaning they can shoot to kill if necessary to neutralise a threat and ensure the safety of those under their protection. Just as Thomas Matthew Crooks found out.