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AOC Blasts Cheatle for Likely Delay in Trump Assassination Attempt Report

 July 23, 2024
In a tense encounter on Monday, Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chastised Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle over the projected two-month timeframe to report on an investigation into security breaches during a rally held by former President Donald Trump.

At the heart of AOC's frustration was her belief in the unacceptable nature of a 60-day waiting period for a full report on the assassination attempt on the former president, as Breitbart reports.

The discourse took place during a session with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which was keenly observing the Secret Service’s response to the shocking rally incident in which one man died and others were seriously injured.

Details of the Attempt on Former President Trump

The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, reportedly managed the shot from the top of a neighboring building during Trump's gathering in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The gravity of this incident in a heated political atmosphere prompted Ocasio-Cortez to question the delayed reporting timeline proposed by Cheatle.

In response to queries regarding when the final investigation report would be ready, Cheatle noted the agency aimed for completion within 60 days.

These remarks came amid rising scrutiny over the Secret Service's efficacy and safety protocols, particularly under Cheatle’s recent leadership tenure.

Since the attack, there has been palpable tension within the ranks and public calls for Cheatle, who has been in her position since appointed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, to resign.

Security Protocols Under Review

Formerly a senior director of global security at PepsiCo and a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service, Cheatle's capabilities are under examination.

Ocasio-Cortez, reflecting on the urgency of the situation, expressed dissatisfaction with the report's timeline. She highlighted the ongoing risk encompassing all political figures, emphasizing that "The notion of a report being released in 60 days was not acceptable".

This sentiment was reinforced by her further statements on the matter, where she articulated the necessity of swift and decisive action to rectify security lapses, indicating that waiting 60 days could delay critical protective adaptations.

Ocasio-Cortez also made a point to condemn political violence and extended her wishes for Trump’s quick recovery, stressing that such incidents threaten the core of democratic values and security.

An Inspector General’s Investigation Follows

The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has also initiated an independent investigation into the Secret Service's actions surrounding the assassination attempt.

This move reflects a broader concern about security protocol adherence and potential systemic issues within the agency.

Ocasio-Cortez's strong stance on the matter during the hearing underscores a significant concern regarding immediate and transparent responses to serious security breaches.

As the debate unfolds, the Secret Service’s next steps and Cheatle’s response to these escalating pressures will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of future security protocols for protecting high-profile political figures in increasingly volatile environments.

Conclusion: Heightened Scrutiny Amid Presidential Campaign

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism of the 60-day timeline for the investigation report on security failures at Trump's rally points to deeper issues of responsiveness and readiness of security forces.

Thomas Matthew Crooks's attempt on the former president's life not only shook the nation but also dug up questions regarding the Secret Service's effectiveness under the leadership of Director Kimberly Cheatle.

An ongoing inspector general investigation complements this scrutiny, as political factions demand quicker, transparent responses amidst the challenges of a high-threat, election-season environment.