Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, is set to testify on July 22nd regarding the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The summons to Cheatle was issued in a letter signed by James Comer, director of Oversight and Accountability in Congress, reflecting the significant scrutiny the Secret Service is under following the security breach.
During the rally, despite the “tremendous bravery” of the Secret Service agents who managed to neutralize the aggressor and limit further harm among the crowd, criticisms have emerged over the agency’s effectiveness. A sniper was able to position himself only 150 meters away from the president without being detected by the numerous agents present, sparking a debate over potential lapses in operational security.
Kimberly Cheatle, From PepsiCo to the Secret Service
Before leading the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle served as the Senior Director of Global Security at PepsiCo. In this role, she was pivotal in directing security protocols across North America, focusing on risk management and mitigation strategies. This corporate experience enriched her perspective on security, providing a broad foundation for her subsequent roles in national security.
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Kimberly Cheatle’s career with the Secret Service spans over 27 years, during which she has held several key positions, showcasing her commitment and expertise in protective operations. Before her current role, she was the Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations, managing a budget of $133.5 million and working collaboratively across multiple divisions to enhance security measures for protected individuals and locations.
Her prior roles include serving as the Special Agent in Charge at the Atlanta Field Office and later at the James J. Rowley Training Center, where she directed training and career development. Her tenure at the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy also highlights her focus on innovation and communication within the agency.
