"The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally," the Kentucky lawmaker said in his opening remarks.
Comer began by sharply criticizing the agency for security failures at the Pennsylvania Rally, where the attempted assassination of former President Trump took place a little over a week ago.
Before any questions were asked, Comer stated flatly that he believes director Cheadle should resign and that the Secret Service had become "the face of incompetence." The Republican also lamented the way information about the incident has made its way to the public.
"Americans demand answers, but they have not been getting them from the Secret Service," Comer said. "We are instead learning about new facts about the events surrounding the attempted assassination every day from whistleblowers and leaks."
In his questions, Comer pressed Cheadle on the building the would-be assassin occupied, if an agent was ever positioned on the roof, whether the structure fell inside the security perimeter, if drones were ever flown that day, and how many agents were assigned — receiving little in the way of details.
"Before July 13, had the Trump detail requested additional resources?" he asked.
"What I can tell you is that, for the event on July 13, the... assets that were requested for that day were given," the director said, in one of her more straightforward responses.
Cheadle has so far maintained she will remain in the director position.
