An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in one death and multiple injuries, leading to heightened scrutiny of those charged with protecting him.

The head of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, called the attack unacceptable and promised a thorough review of the incident, but stopped short of saying she plans to step down and no longer serve the agency, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The attempt took place on Saturday evening, during a campaign rally for the former president. The suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to find a vantage point outside the security perimeter and opened fire from a rooftop.

Corey Comperatore, a rally attendee, was tragically killed, and others sustained injuries during the attack. Federal and local law enforcement quickly responded to the situation by neutralizing the shooter.

Details Surrounding Attack

Cheatle emphasized the severity of the event in her first interview since the incident, stating that such occurrences must not happen again. "It was unacceptable," Cheatle told ABC News. "And it’s something that shouldn’t happen again."

The director elaborated on the Secret Service's response, defending her agents' actions and the protocols followed. The perpetrator was "neutralized in a very short period," Cheatle explained, highlighting the quick resolution by law enforcement.

Local police were stationed inside the building from which the shots were fired. Meanwhile, the Secret Service managed to secure the inner perimeter, ensuring that former President Trump and others in close proximity were subsequently protected.

Response and Prevention Goals

Addressing the roles of both federal and local agencies, Cheatle said, "In this particular instance, we did share support for that particular site, and the Secret Service was responsible for the inner perimeter." She praised the coordination between agencies which led to the swift neutralization of the shooter.

She acknowledged the complexity of identifying and neutralizing the assailant within such a brief period. "Seeking that person out, finding them... and eventually neutralizing them took place in a very short period of time," she said. This showcases the challenges faced by first responders during such crises.

Safety measures and a detailed review are Cheatle's top priorities moving forward. She affirmed her commitment to ensuring that all necessary resources are provided to agency personnel.

Upcoming Congressional Hearing

Looking ahead, Cheatle is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee next Monday, July 22. This session will focus on the events of the attack and the subsequent actions taken by the Secret Service.

During the interview, Cheatle took full responsibility for the security breach, asserting, "The buck stops with me." Her statement underscores her leadership role and dedication to rectifying any shortcomings within the agency.

The priority will be to evaluate the existing procedures and explore enhancements that could prevent similar incidents in the future. This review is expected to cover all facets of security operations and interagency collaboration.

As more details emerge from the investigation, Cheatle continues to endorse the actions of her agents, expressing confidence in their ability to manage such threats. “I am the director of the Secret Service, and I need to make sure that we are performing a review and that we are giving resources to our personnel as necessary,” Cheatle said.

Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts

Cheatle further detailed the involvement of local law enforcement in safeguarding the rally's outer perimeter. "And then we sought assistance from our local counterparts for the outer perimeter," she disclosed. This collaborative effort was crucial in containing the threat.

Local police presence was confirmed within the building from where Crooks initiated his attack, complementing the federal efforts in securing the site, but also prompting further questions.

As the story unfolds, it is clear that the Secret Service will be scrutinizing all aspects of the agency's response. This will include an examination of intra-agency communication, emergency protocols, and the effectiveness of their partnerships with local authorities.

In summary, the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has spurred a significant review within the Secret Service. Kimberly Cheatle remains steadfast in maintaining her role, aiming to learn from this grave incident and enhance future security measures. She will provide further insights during her upcoming appearance before the House Oversight Committee, but whether she can hold on to her job, only time will tell.