July 14, 2024
Kimberly A. Cheatle
Director, U.S. Secret Service
245 Murray Ln. SW - BLDG T-5,
Washington, DC 20223
Dear Director Cheatle,
I write regarding the assassination attempt of President, and presumptive Republican Party
nominee, Donald Trump.
As you are aware, it is the sworn duty of the Secret Service, under the direction of the Secretary
of Homeland Security according to 18 USC Sec.3056, to protect former Presidents and Major
Presidential Candidates.
Yesterday’s incident, which led to the tragic death of an onlooker and several injuries, including
to President Trump, raises grave concerns regarding the security measures – or lack thereof – that
were taken to protect a former President of the United States and a Major Presidential Candidate.
I call on all those responsible for the planning, approving, and executing of this failed security
plan to be held accountable and to testify before Congress immediately.
As an American, a veteran, and a public servant to the greatest democracy in the history of the
world, I demand the answers to the following questions:
• Did the Trump campaign request additional protection or resources for this event? If so,
were those resources denied, and why?
• Did the Secret Service detail, separate from President Trump’s campaign team, request
additional resources?
• Who approved the security plan for this event?
• Was a proper threat assessment of nearby buildings conducted?
• Did attendees of the event raise any alarms? If so, how were any concerns handled before
the attempted assassination?
• Were there any failures in protocol that enabled the shooting? If not, how was President
Trump, one of only six living current or former Presidents and a current Major
Presidential Candidate, almost assassinated, and what needs to change?
• Will the Secret Service reconsider its denial of protection for Presidential Candidate
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.?
We are a nation of laws and of free and fair elections. It is why we are the greatest country in the
world.
This was a security failure at the highest level, not seen since the attempted assassination of
President Reagan. This cannot happen, and I demand accountability.
I look forward to your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Ruben Gallego
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
