Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stated that the original security plan for Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania was deemed sufficient to protect him from “Iranian assassins.” However, the plan’s failures allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to attempt an attack on Trump.
Rep. Mike Turner inquired about the security plan after Cheatle mentioned the USSS would have one in place. He asked, “I’m assuming that security plan would also include the security footprint for the site, but it also would be based upon a threat assessment for the risk threats associated with Donald Trump in the crowded attendance. Would it not include a threat assessment?” Cheatle confirmed that a threat assessment would be included, covering threats from Iran.
Turner further questioned Cheatle, asking if the security plan was adequate for the specific and generalized threats to Trump’s life from Iran. Cheatle affirmed, “Yes, I do believe it was,” but acknowledged there was a failure in the plan.
Documents submitted to the congressional record before the assassination attempt indicated that Iran was considered a generalized threat against Trump, with a heightened threat reported at the time of the attempt.
When asked if she was the best person to lead the USSS after the attempted assassination, Cheatle responded, “I think that I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.”