On Monday, July 22nd, the House Oversight Committee convened to scrutinize Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle regarding security lapses that allowed the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. This marked Cheatle’s inaugural appearance before Congress, where she acknowledged the severity of the Secret Service’s failures during the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, describing it as the agency’s most significant operational lapse in decades.
“I take full responsibility for any security lapse,” Cheatle solemnly testified, emphasizing the agency’s core mission to safeguard national leaders. She pledged unwavering cooperation with ongoing investigations and expressed a commitment to prevent such incidents from recurring. “Our mission is not political; it is a matter of life and death,” she underscored, while also expressing confidence in her team’s dedication.
Despite her acknowledgment of responsibility, Cheatle faced criticism for evading specific questions during the hearing, provoking frustration among lawmakers. Calls for her resignation emerged from several Republican and Democratic members of the committee, citing dissatisfaction with her responses and accountability.
Republican Rep. Pat Fallon sharply criticized the Secret Service for being outmaneuvered by the assailant, questioning how a lone gunman could exploit security vulnerabilities to target President Trump so effectively. Cheatle, pressed on details surrounding the incident, admitted to lacking crucial information about the placement of the firearm used in the attack, further fueling concerns over preparedness and oversight.
In a tense exchange, Rep. Andy Biggs demanded more substantive answers from Cheatle, highlighting the need for an independent review of the security protocols that failed to prevent the assassination attempt. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Cheatle’s proposed timeline for reassessment, deeming it inadequate given the impending election and ongoing international threats. The hearing underscored bipartisan frustration over the Secret Service’s lapses and the perceived inadequacies in Cheatle’s leadership. As the investigation continues, the pressure on Cheatle to address these failures and restore confidence in the agency remains significant.
In other news – DJ Zandimaz optimistic about recovery following brain tumour removal
DJ Zandile “Zandimaz” Mazithulela has announced a temporary hiatus from her music career to focus on recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. In an interview, Zandimaz revealed that she underwent surgery in early March following a seizure while on tour in the UK in 2022, with another seizure occurring weeks later in Zambia.
Initially attributing her symptoms to fatigue, she consulted doctors who diagnosed her with a tumor. After a year-long break, her condition worsened, leading to anxiety and nerve-related issues. Read More
