Secret Service agents moved quickly.“Our snipers who neutralized the shooter and our agents who took precautions to ensure the protection of former President Donald Trump.” Thus, in her first official statement after the failed attack on Donald Trump, Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service, defended the actions of the agents who were protecting the businessman at the time of the attack in Pennsylvania.

“The Secret Service has a tremendous responsibility to protect the current and former leaders of our democracy — a responsibility I take incredibly seriously and am committed to completing my mission,” she stressed.

“Working to understand how this happened”

As for yesterday's hack, “the Secret Service is working with all relevant federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened, and how we can prevent attacks like this from happening again,” Cheatle says.

“We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden and will participate fully in it, including with the appropriate congressional committee,” he added.

“Enhancing security at the conference”

As for security for the Republican convention, which opens today in Milwaukee, Shettle said, “I have confidence in the security plan that our coordinator and our partners have put in place, which has been updated and enhanced after Saturday’s attack,” acknowledging that the attack “raised questions about potential updates or changes to the security plan for the Republican convention.”

“Security plans are designed to be flexible as the convention progresses, and the Secret Service will continue to adapt its operations to ensure the highest level of security for attendees, volunteers, and the City of Milwaukee,” the statement continues. Additionally, Cheatle notes that since Saturday, “changes have been made to President Trump’s entourage to ensure his protection at the convention and throughout the rest of the campaign.”