Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Pressure from Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation

Kimberly Cheatle has resigned from her position as Secret Service Director after facing mounting pressure following a heated House hearing on the security lapses that allowed the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Her resignation comes as acting director Ronald Rowe Jr. takes over the agency amidst an ongoing investigation by the House Oversight Committee.

In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down from her position. The decision comes amid intense scrutiny and bipartisan calls for her resignation following a contentious House Oversight Committee hearing on July 22.

In a statement, Cheatle took responsibility for the security lapse that occurred during Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. "In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director," she said.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Pressure from Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation

Ronald Rowe Jr., the deputy director of the Secret Service, has been appointed as the agency's acting director. Rowe is a 24-year veteran of the Secret Service and has served in various leadership positions within the organization.

Before joining the Secret Service, Rowe was a member of the West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida. Colleagues have praised Rowe's intelligence and well-rounded experience, describing him as "very up to the task" of leading the agency during this challenging time.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Pressure from Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation

The House Oversight Committee's investigation into the Secret Service's failures that nearly allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to kill Trump is ongoing. Rowe is scheduled to testify on Tuesday, providing insight into the events that led to the security breach.

The investigation aims to uncover the root causes of the lapse and identify areas where the Secret Service can improve its protocols and operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Pressure from Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation

Former President Trump has expressed his disapproval of Cheatle's resignation, claiming that she never provided him with adequate protection. "She never gave me proper protection," Trump said. "I don't know who protects me anymore."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas praised Ronald Rowe Jr. for stepping in as acting director during this difficult time. He expressed confidence in Rowe's ability to lead the agency and its 7,800 employees.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Pressure from Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation

President Biden is responsible for selecting the next Secret Service director. He has stated that he plans to make his decision soon. An independent review is underway to get to the bottom of the events of July 13, and the findings are expected to inform Biden's appointment.