During a recent testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Progressive Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. The exchange between Khanna and Cheatle centered around the Secret Service's failure to adequately protect former President Trump, leading to a tense back-and-forth.
Khanna questioned Cheatle on whether she believed the recent security lapse was the most serious since the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981. Cheatle acknowledged the severity of the situation, agreeing with Khanna's assessment.
Khanna then referenced Stuart Knight, who was in charge of the Secret Service during the time of the Reagan assassination attempt. He pointed out that Knight had resigned in response to the security breach, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of such decisions. Khanna stressed that accountability should not be a matter of political affiliation, but rather a fundamental responsibility in the face of security threats.
By highlighting Knight's resignation as a Republican appointee in a similar context, Khanna made a compelling case for Cheatle to follow suit. He argued that in the event of an assassination attempt on a president, former president, or candidate, the individual in charge of the security agency should take responsibility and step down.
Khanna's call for Cheatle's resignation underscores the importance of accountability and leadership in ensuring the safety and security of high-profile individuals. The exchange serves as a reminder of the critical role that security agencies play in safeguarding public figures and the consequences of lapses in protection.
