Secret Service Chief Grilled by Senators: 'Do You Answer to Anyone?'

Lawmakers expressed frustration with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle at the Republican National Convention, questioning her ability to lead the agency and calling for her resignation.

In a heated confrontation at the Republican National Convention, Senators grilled Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle over the agency's handling of a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the security lapses that allowed the gunman to open fire from a rooftop, injuring four people and killing one.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) was particularly critical, demanding to know who was accountable for the security breach. "Do you answer to anyone? Does anyone hold you accountable for your actions?" he asked Cheatle.

Secret Service Chief Grilled by Senators: 'Do You Answer to Anyone?'

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) echoed Johnson's concerns, stating that the Secret Service had failed to protect the former president. "This is an agency that is charged with the highest responsibility, and it failed," he said.

Cheatle defended the agency's actions, explaining that the gunman was not initially perceived as a threat because he was carrying a golf range finder. However, she acknowledged that the agency's security protocols would be reviewed and updated to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Secret Service Chief Grilled by Senators: 'Do You Answer to Anyone?'

The questioning comes amid growing pressure on Cheatle to resign. Several lawmakers have publicly called for her removal, citing the security lapses and a lack of confidence in her leadership.

The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny since the assassination attempt. Law enforcement officials have been investigating the security arrangements at the rally and have interviewed multiple witnesses.

Secret Service Chief Grilled by Senators: 'Do You Answer to Anyone?'

Authorities have revealed that the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, hid the weapon he used in the attack in advance. A Secret Service source told Fox News that it was not immediately clear where he hid the weapon.

The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and it is expected that the Secret Service will face further scrutiny in the coming months. The agency's ability to protect the nation's leaders and prevent future attacks will be under intense examination.

Secret Service Chief Grilled by Senators: 'Do You Answer to Anyone?'

Meanwhile, the Trump rally shooting victims are recovering from their injuries. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father of two, was killed in the attack. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were seriously wounded.

Wake services for Comperatore were scheduled for Thursday, while he was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Friday. Hospital authorities reported that the other victims had been upgraded from critical condition to serious but stable.

The Secret Service has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families and has vowed to cooperate with the investigation. The agency has also stated that it will take the necessary steps to improve its security measures and prevent similar attacks in the future.