Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Trump Assassination Attempt

Following a heated House hearing on security lapses that allowed the assassination attempt on former President Trump, United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down from her position. Cheatle's resignation comes after mounting pressure and intense scrutiny in the wake of the incident.

United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has announced her resignation, a move that follows escalating pressure and scrutiny after an assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Cheatle's decision was confirmed by Fox News, who obtained a letter she sent to the Secret Service on Tuesday morning.

In the letter, Cheatle acknowledged the "scrutiny" that intensified over the past week and the "intense" operational tempo she had been facing. She stated, "As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse."

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Trump Assassination Attempt

Cheatle had faced criticism from House Republicans, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, who had called for her resignation. Comer cited incompetence and questioned the safety of Secret Service protectees under Cheatle's leadership.

Cheatle had initially resisted calls for her departure, appearing before Congress to answer questions about the security lapse. She explained that the Secret Service had considered the safety risks associated with placing an agent on a sloped roof, the location from which the assailant had fired.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Trump Assassination Attempt

However, she admitted that the agency was still investigating the decision-making process and the possibility of alternative measures. Cheatle also stated that the Secret Service had received requests for additional security from Trump's security detail but had not fulfilled them.

The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general has launched an investigation into the Secret Service's handling of security for the Trump rally. President Biden, who had refrained from firing Cheatle in the aftermath of the shooting, expressed gratitude for her years of service while acknowledging the need for a new director.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Trump Assassination Attempt

In her letter, Cheatle emphasized the vital mission of the Secret Service and the "integrity and exceptional dedication" of its personnel. She expressed confidence in the agency's ability to carry out its investigative and protective missions despite the recent incident.

Cheatle expressed her love for the agency and her commitment to its well-being. She stated, "I have, and will always, put the needs of this agency first." She concluded by expressing her regret for the decision to resign but acknowledged that it was necessary to prevent further distraction from the agency's critical mission.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Trump Assassination Attempt

Cheatle's resignation is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the security failures surrounding the Trump assassination attempt. It underscores the pressure the Secret Service has faced in recent days and raises questions about accountability and future security measures.