Tennessee senator demands information on attempted assassination of Trump in ‘timely manner’

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on July 15, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Segar)

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who had an encounter with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, says she wants the head of the agency to provide information about the attempted assassination on former President Trump in a timely manner.

“Director Cheatle’s excuse for not giving us information about the assassination attempt on President Trump is that she didn’t run it,” Blackburn said in a video she posted to X. “Well, we know she was not running it, but what we do know now is that she is running away from giving answers. And the main thing is there was an attempt on President Trump’s life. There are answers the American people deserve. We want her to provide the answers for us and to do it in a timely manner.”

On Wednesday night, Blackburn and other lawmakers spotted Cheatle at the RNC and demanded answers on the Secret Service’s handling of providing protection for Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which a shooter was able to get a clear shot of the president before opening fire and grazing his ear with a bullet.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Blackburn said she was “appalled” to learn the Secret Service knew about the threat on Trump before he walked on stage.

“I have no confidence in the leadership of Director Cheatle and believe it's in the best interest of our nation if she steps down from her position,” Blackburn said.