In a move that has sparked controversy, Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert has proposed a bill that would prevent federal funds from being allocated towards the salary or expenses of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
This comes in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which has led to increased scrutiny of the Secret Service.
According to The Hill, Boebert's bill was introduced amidst allegations of the Secret Service's negligence or possible intentional misconduct. The Colorado representative suggested that the assassination attempt on Trump was either a deliberate act or a result of "gross incompetence" by the Secret Service. She further criticized the agency for allegedly prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies over its primary duties.
"Saturdays assassination attempt on President Trumps life was either intentional or the result of gross incompetence by the United States Secret Service," Boebert declared in a statement accompanying the bill's announcement. She further accused Director Cheatle of failing to uphold the Secret Service's core responsibilities, stating, "Under Director Cheatles failed leadership, the United States Secret Service has prioritized woke DEI policies over the core responsibilities of the Secret Service, including protecting our nations leaders. This lack of leadership contributed to the first assassination attempt of a President in 43 years. Director Cheatle has got to go!
The bill has garnered support from eight other House Republicans, including Representatives Jeff Duncan, Diana Harshbarger, Cory Mills, Tim Burchett, Barry Moore, Andy Ogles, Josh Brecheen, and Bill Posey. The Secret Service, however, has yet to comment on Boebert's statement or the proposed bill.
In a recent interview with ABC News, Cheatle acknowledged the Secret Service's responsibility for the security lapses that led to the assassination attempt. "The buck stops with me," she admitted. "I am the director of the Secret Service, and I need to make sure that we are performing a review and that we are giving resources to our personnel as necessary." Despite the criticism, Cheatle has refused to step down from her position.
Six Congressional committees across both the House and Senate are currently investigating the security lapses that led to the attack. Cheatle has pledged that the Secret Service will "work with the appropriate Congressional committees on any oversight action."
The assassination attempt left a bullet "pierced" through Trump's right ear, as per his statement. The incident resulted in one death and two serious injuries among the rally attendees, while the suspected shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service.
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