According to Fox News, Representative Brendan Boyle has called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

On July 13, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt. The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from atop a building, causing chaos and casualties among the crowd.

Among the victims was a rally attendee who died while protecting his family. The former president sustained injuries to his ear. This tragic event has since thrown the Secret Service into a harsh spotlight, prompting calls for accountability and change in leadership.

Democratic Congressman Leads Call for Resignation

Representative Brendan Boyle, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, was the first from his party to demand the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle publicly. He expressed deep concerns about the "unacceptable operational failures" highlighted by the incident.

"I am calling on Director Cheatle to resign immediately following last weekend's shooting of a Presidential candidate in Western Pennsylvania," Boyle stated, emphasizing the need for leadership change at the Secret Service.

Republicans and Democrats Align on Security Failures

The call for Cheatle's resignation has found support across the aisle. Notably, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell described the assassination attempt as "a grave attack on American democracy," advocating for new leadership at the Secret Service.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other prominent Republicans echoed McConnell's sentiment, underlining bipartisan concerns over national security and the protection of its leaders.

Homeland Security and White House Response

In the aftermath, Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, affirmed his "100% confidence" in the Secret Service. Contrasting the congressional critique, this statement highlights the complexities within federal responses to the incident.

President Biden has ordered an independent review of the security measures during the rally. This review aims to prevent future lapses and restore public trust in the protection provided to national figures.

Secret Service Director's Stance Amid Criticism

Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced intense scrutiny but remains resolute about her position. "I do plan to stay on," Cheatle announced, committing to cooperation with both the independent review and ongoing congressional oversight.

She is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee, an event that Chairman James Comer indicated would be pivotal.

"Americans demand answers from Director Kimberly Cheatle about the Secret Service's historic security failures," Comer remarked.

Increasing Congressional Pressure for Transparency

The upcoming congressional hearings will serve as a crucial venue for discussing the incident's details and the systemic issues within the Secret Service. These hearings will focus on accountability and ensuring that such significant security breaches do not recur.

Both Democrats and Republicans are poised to ask tough questions, aiming to uncover the full scope of the security failures that allowed the gunman to execute his attack from such a strategically advantageous position.

Public and Political Fallout

The public reacted with shock and anger, not only at the violence but also at the apparent gaps in protective measures during such high-profile events.

The incident has already triggered political repercussions and will likely influence discussions on national security protocols and Secret Service leadership.

In conclusion, the assassination attempt on former President Trump has ignited a significant debate over the adequacy of security for public figures and the leadership of the Secret Service.

With bipartisan calls for a leadership overhaul and an independent review underway, the coming weeks are crucial for the agency and its director's future.