In a recent government meeting, intense scrutiny was directed at the Secret Service following a serious security breach during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a former president and current presidential candidate was nearly assassinated. The committee expressed overwhelming gratitude for the individual agents' efforts but emphasized that the incident was preventable and highlighted significant failures within the agency.

The Secret Service, tasked with protecting U.S. leaders and ensuring the safety of elections, has come under fire for what has been described as a \"historic failure.\" Despite having a substantial budget and thousands of employees, the agency is now perceived as incompetent, with calls for accountability growing louder. The committee noted that previous warnings and recommendations regarding the agency's operations have been ignored, raising concerns about its management and ability to safeguard protectees.

Director Kimberly Cheadle was subpoenaed to provide answers regarding the agency's shortcomings, particularly in light of the attempted assassination. Despite the gravity of the situation, Cheadle has refused to resign, prompting further frustration from committee members who feel that the Secret Service and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have not been forthcoming with information.

The committee criticized both agencies for their lack of communication and transparency, stating that it should not require extensive preparation to disclose the truth to the American public. As the investigation continues, the safety of all Secret Service protectees, including President Biden and other candidates, remains a pressing concern.