Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle has provided a rationale for the agency's failure to position an agent on a roof where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This security lapse has led to severe criticism and calls for Cheatle's resignation.

The warehouse, 147 yards from Trump's speaking position, was deemed too risky for stationing an agent, which Cheatle defended, despite the security breach, Daily Mail reported.

Cheatle explained that the building's sloped roof was considered too dangerous for placing an agent. This decision came under scrutiny after Crooks managed to position himself on the roof and open fire before law enforcement could act.

Local Police Snipers Present but Ineffective

Local police snipers were inside the building when Crooks fired, hitting Trump in the ear and killing a rally attendee. Witnesses had warned law enforcement about Crooks climbing onto the roof with an AR-style rifle.

Despite identifying Crooks as suspicious, law enforcement allowed him to evade capture three times.

Cheatle expressed shock at the shooting and acknowledged the building's security vulnerabilities but stood by the decision not to place personnel on the roof.

Cheatle Takes Responsibility Amid Criticism

Cheatle has refused to resign, taking responsibility for the incident but defending the agency's actions. "The buck stops with me," she stated, acknowledging that the event was unacceptable and should not happen again.

Former FBI special agent Kenneth Gray criticized the Secret Service's handling of the rally. "The Secret Service really screwed up at the rally on Saturday," he said, reflecting the broader sentiment of dissatisfaction.

Calls for Scrutiny and Increased Security

Republican officials are calling for increased scrutiny of the agency and tighter security measures. House Judiciary and 'Weaponization' Committee member Kelly Armstrong stated, "Somebody, somewhere has a lot of serious questions to answer."

The Justice Department, not Homeland Security, is investigating the incident. President Biden expressed confidence in the Secret Service but questioned their preparedness.

Background of the Secret Service Chief

Republicans have scrutinized Cheatle's background, including her prior role at PepsiCo. Rep. Tim Burchett remarked, "She was working at Pepsi before this. I know she was a former CIA Secret Service agent, but still, this is what happens when you don't put the best players in."

Burchett further added, "Somebody really dropped the ball. You've got a DEI person, a DEI initiative person who heads up our Secret Service."

This statement reflects the ongoing debate about leadership and qualifications within the agency.

Investigation and Consequences

The local police sniper team observed Crooks three times but failed to act decisively. Crooks killed Pennsylvania fire chief Corey Comperatore and injured two others during the incident.

Photos and videos showed Crooks close to Trump, highlighting the significant security lapse. Cheatle emphasized that safety concerns related to the sloped roof played a crucial role in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle sparked significant controversy by explaining why she didn't station an agent on the roof during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Despite acknowledging the security vulnerabilities, Cheatle defended the decision, citing safety concerns related to the building's sloped roof.

The incident, which resulted in injuries and fatalities, has led to severe criticism of the Secret Service and calls for increased scrutiny and tighter security measures. The Justice Department is investigating the lapses to ensure accountability within the agency.