Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after Trump shooting security lapses
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down from her role after facing calls to resign after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Kimberly Cheatle has resigned from her position as director of the U.S. Secret Service following intense pressure from lawmakers and the public after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Cheatle's resignation comes in the wake of the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, which resulted in the injury of Trump and the death of one attendee, with two others wounded.
In her letter to the agency staff, Cheatle acknowledged the significant operational failure of the Secret Service and reiterated that she takes full responsibility for the security lapse. Her decision to step down was praised by President Biden, who thanked her for her dedication and selfless service to the nation. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe as the acting director until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Cheatle's resignation comes amidst multiple investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including probes by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. President Biden has also announced an independent review of the rally's security situation.
Cheatle's career in the Secret Service spans over 27 years, including her role as assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations and as a member of Biden's security detail during his vice presidency. Her appointment as director in 2022 was met with confidence in her ability to lead the agency effectively. However, the events of the Trump rally and the subsequent security failures have led to her early resignation.
In her letter to the agency staff, Cheatle acknowledged the significant operational failure of the Secret Service and reiterated that she takes full responsibility for the security lapse. Her decision to step down was praised by President Biden, who thanked her for her dedication and selfless service to the nation. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe as the acting director until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Cheatle's resignation comes amidst multiple investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including probes by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. President Biden has also announced an independent review of the rally's security situation.
Cheatle's career in the Secret Service spans over 27 years, including her role as assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations and as a member of Biden's security detail during his vice presidency. Her appointment as director in 2022 was met with confidence in her ability to lead the agency effectively. However, the events of the Trump rally and the subsequent security failures have led to her early resignation.