US Secret Service Director Resigns After Failed Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump

The US Director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned on Tuesday following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Many Republicans had been calling for her resignation since the incident.

US lawmakers and an internal government watchdog were investigating the agency’s handling of Trump's protection after a gunman came close to killing the 2024 Republican presidential candidate at a rally in Pennsylvania this month.

On Monday, Ms. Cheatle appeared before the US House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers were frustrated by her lack of specific answers about the assassination attempt and called on her to step down by the end of the hearing.

During her appearance, Ms. Cheatle acknowledged significant problems with the security at the rally but rebuffed demands for her resignation, stating, “I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,” as reported by CNN.

In an email to Secret Service employees on Tuesday, Ms. Cheatle said the agency "fell short of that mission" in failing to secure the rally. She expressed her deep commitment to the agency but noted that she decided to step down to avoid being a distraction.

President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for Ms. Cheatle’s decades of public service, stating it takes "honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility" for the agency’s shortcomings. Mr. Biden said he would appoint a new director soon.