MIAMI.- Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube on Monday introduced a proposed impeachment resolution against Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, accusing her of “dereliction of duty” in failing to protect former President Donald Trump from a possible attack during a rally last week in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The incident, which left one rally-goer dead and two injured, has sparked intense controversy over Trump’s apparent vulnerability, as his attacker managed to get close to the stage, located just 130 metres away, and from there was able to fire his long-range weapon.
“The Secret Service calls itself ‘one of the most elite security agencies in the world.’ What occurred under its watch at Butler was an international embarrassment and an inexcusable tragedy,” Steube said in a news release.
“I am exercising our congressional oversight authority by filing an article of impeachment against Director Cheatle for her dereliction of duty as it relates to the attempted assassination of President Trump’s life,” he added.
According to Steube, the Secret Service had received alerts about suspicious activity before the attack, but did not take the necessary steps to prevent it.
Resolution
The impeachment resolution, which accuses Cheatle of “negligence” in fulfilling his duty to protect “persons, key places, and events of national importance,” specifically criticizes the Secret Service’s apparent lack of preparedness for a possible attack.
The paper also questions Cheatle’s priority on increasing the number of female Secret Service agents, with a goal of 30 percent by 2030. The paper suggests that this initiative may have downplayed preparation for high-risk events.
“By these actions, Director Cheatle has demonstrated that she has failed to fulfill her duty to lead the Secret Service in a manner that provides effective protection to those under her protection, including President Donald Trump,” the draft resolution concludes.
Steube’s ruling adds to mounting pressure for Cheatle to resign, especially after his appearance before the House Oversight Committee, where he was unable to answer key questions about the Butler incident.
The impeachment resolution is expected to be the subject of heated debate in the House of Representatives, where Republicans support removing Cheatle and Democrats have shown resistance.
