WASHINGTON — The director of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has been the recipient of heavy criticism since the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred on Saturday, July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
On Monday, Cheatle was mercilessly grilled by members of the House Oversight Committee for allegations related to dereliction of duty. Although she initially declined the bi-partisan invitation to resign, one day later she announced that she will depart her post.
Cheatle had served as Secret Service director since August 2022. On Tuesday, she announced her resignation, according to the Associated Press.
“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she said in an email to USSS staff obtained by the AP. “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’s boss, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, commented on her departure, but did not indicate who would replace her since the position is appointed by the president.
