by Nicholas Ballasy
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said in a statement Monday that her agency will fully participate in an “independent review” of security measures surrounding former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot, ordered by President Biden.
“The Secret Service is working with all involved federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened and how we can prevent an incident like this from happening again,” she said. “We understand the importance of the independent review announced yesterday by President Biden and will participate fully. We will also cooperate with the appropriate congressional committees on any oversight efforts.”
Cheatle, a 2022 Biden appointee, acknowledged that the Pennsylvania incident “has raised questions about potential security updates or changes for the Republican National Convention,” which will be held in Milwaukee on Monday.
“I am confident in the security plan that our RNC Secret Service coordinator and our partners have implemented, which we reviewed and strengthened after Saturday’s shooting. Security plans for national events of critical security importance are designed to be flexible,” she said.
“As the convention progresses, and in accordance with the President’s guidance, the Secret Service will continually adjust its operations as needed to ensure the highest level of safety for convention attendees, volunteers and the city of Milwaukee,” she added.
Cheatle also said there were changes to Trump’s security detail following the assassination attempt.
“In addition to the additional security enhancements we provided to former President Trump’s security in June, we have also made changes to his security as of Saturday to ensure he has continued protection during the convention and the remainder of the campaign,” she said.
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Just the News Senior Correspondent Nicholas Ballasy has been reporting from the nation’s capital and questioning political leaders on the most pressing issues facing the country for more than a decade. Since 2008, Ballasy has interviewed former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Donald Trump, Senator Mitt Romney, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator John McCain, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and many others.
Photo “Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle” by US Secret Service.
