Kimberly Cheatle, director of the US Secret Service, has resigned following growing calls for her departure after the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to reports.
Cheatle’s resignation comes a day after she faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers who criticized the Secret Service’s failure to protect Trump, labeling it as incompetence.
“In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director,” Cheatle wrote in her resignation letter, obtained by NBC News.
In the yet-to-be-public announcement, Cheatle acknowledged that the agency “fell short” of its mission to “protect our nation’s leaders.” She emphasized, “The Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner.”
“We do not retreat from challenge. However, I do not want my resignation to distract from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission,” Cheatle added.
President Joe Biden praised Cheatle’s decision, calling it an act of honor, courage, and incredible integrity. “She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service,” Biden said.
“We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our administration, and we are grateful for her service to our family,” he continued, adding that he will appoint a new director soon.
**THE TRUMP SHOOTING**
Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 when a shooter opened fire from the rooftop of a building overlooking the crowd and the stage.
The gunman, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, killed one attendee and wounded two others, including Trump, whose right ear was grazed by a bullet.
The former president appeared multiple times at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee the following week with a bandage over the ear.
James Comer, chairman of the Congressional Oversight Committee, questioned whether the president, first lady, White House, and presidential candidates are safe with Cheatle leading the Secret Service.
Cheatle joined the Secret Service in 1995. During her tenure, she supervised Joe Biden’s protective details when he was vice-president before becoming the deputy assistant director of protective operations. After a brief period in the private sector with PepsiCo, Cheatle was appointed director of the Secret Service by Biden in 2022.
The assassination attempt on Trump was the first mishap recorded under the director’s watch.
