Speaker Johnson says he will call for Secret Service director's resignation

By Jen Krausz on
 July 18, 2024

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Wednesday that he would join calls for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign after the unit she heads failed to prevent former President Donald Trump from being shot in the ear during a rally on Saturday.

“I think it’s inexcusable,” Johnson told ABC News about the handling of security during the rally, where one other rallygoer was killed and two seriously wounded.

Johnson said Cheatle's reasons for the fiasco "don't wash," and that Cheatle has "shown what her priorities are,” referring to Cheatle's promise to achieve 30% female recruits by 2030.

Cheatle put off a congressional hearing this week to get answers about what happened, but has been subpoenaed for a hearing on July 22. She has said repeatedly that she is not stepping down voluntarily.

“The lack of transparency and failure to cooperate with the Committee on this pressing matter by both DHS and the Secret Service further calls into question your ability to lead the Secret Service and necessitates the attached subpoena compelling your appearance before the Oversight Committee,” chairman James Comer (R-KY) added.

Johnson promised a task force to streamline the several investigations already stemming from the shooting.