McConnell calls for new leadership of Secret Service

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called for new U.S. Secret Service leadership on Wednesday, in the wake of a recent assassination attempt on former President Trump.

“Last week’s near-assassination of former President Trump was a grave attack on American democracy,” McConnell said in a post on social platform X. “The nation deserves answers and accountability. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”

McConnell’s comments follow a shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend, in which a bullet grazed the ear of the former president. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and her agency have faced scrutiny over its handling of the incident, with some questioning how the gunman had access to a roof that had a clear line of sight to Trump.

McConnell’s fellow Republican leader, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), called on Cheatle to resign Wednesday and also said he is going to make a task force for the consolidation of investigations focused on the security failures of the Saturday rally.

“I think it’s inexcusable,” Johnson said.

In the wake of the shooting, the U.S. Secret Service has received support from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who said he has “100 percent” confidence in the agency.

The Hill has reached out to the Secret Service.